Two Migrant Boats Sink in Aegean Sea, Killing at Least 12
At a Glance
- At least 12 migrants have died in two separate incidents in the Aegean Sea.
- Rescue teams have saved 22 people, according to figures provided by a Channel8 source.
- Search operations are continuing for missing passengers near Lesbos and Samos.
- The nationalities of those involved have not been officially confirmed.
At least 12 migrants have died after two boats sank in separate incidents in the Aegean Sea, with rescue teams saving survivors and continuing searches for missing passengers near the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos, according to Peshraw Abdullah, a representative for returned refugees in Europe who spoke to Channel8.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Lesbos: Six bodies have been recovered and eight people rescued, while searches for missing passengers continue.
- Samos: Six people have been confirmed dead and 14 rescued, with search operations ongoing.
- Identities: The migrants are from various nationalities. The possibility that Kurdish migrants are among them has been raised, but their identities have not been officially released.
Two Shipwrecks Near Greek Islands
The first incident occurred off the coast of Lesbos, where six bodies have been recovered and eight migrants rescued. Search teams are continuing operations to locate those still missing.
The second shipwreck occurred north of Samos. Six people have been confirmed dead, while 14 migrants were rescued, according to Abdullah. Search efforts for other passengers remain underway.
The figures provided by Abdullah indicate that 22 people were rescued across the two incidents. Survivors have been taken to local Greek hospitals for treatment.
The nationalities of those involved have not been officially confirmed. Abdullah said migrants of various nationalities were aboard the boats and that Kurdish migrants may be among them.
Migration Deaths in the Mediterranean
Agence France-Presse reported that 12 undocumented migrants drowned in two separate incidents in the Aegean Sea on Monday morning.
More broadly, figures cited in the supplied information indicate that more than 1,370 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean since the beginning of 2024.
FYI
The Aegean Sea lies between Greece and Turkey and is a major route for migrants attempting to reach European Union countries. People making the crossing often travel in overcrowded or unseaworthy boats, creating serious risks, particularly in rough sea conditions.
The number of people who die or disappear during Mediterranean crossings is difficult to establish precisely, as some shipwrecks occur without survivors or witnesses and some people remain missing.
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