A tragic maritime accident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday after a wooden boat carrying migrants capsized in waters south of Crete, Greece’s largest island. Five people have been confirmed dead, while at least 20 others remain missing as search operations continue 1233348.
According to the Greek coast guard, the incident occurred around 15 nautical miles (27 km) south of Kala Limena, a small coastal settlement on Crete’s southern shoreline 1233348. Authorities said the overcrowded boat was carrying dozens of migrants attempting to reach European shores.
Reports from Greece’s national broadcaster ERT stated that the tragedy took place when one of two commercial vessels sent by the national search and rescue centre approached the migrants’ boat. As rescuers lowered a ladder from the ship, several passengers reportedly rushed to one side of the vessel at the same time. The sudden shift in weight caused the fragile wooden boat to overturn in the sea 1233348.
A cargo ship flying the Panamanian flag managed to rescue 20 people from the water. Meanwhile, ships from the Hellenic Coast Guard and the European Union’s border agency, Frontex, recovered three bodies during initial operations. Two additional bodies were later discovered at sea 1233348.
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Survivors informed rescue teams that nearly 50 individuals had been on board at the time of the accident, raising serious concerns that the number of casualties could increase. Authorities have launched an extensive search and rescue mission involving coast guard vessels, passing commercial ships, a helicopter and a military aircraft. The operation remains ongoing as hopes fade for those still unaccounted for 1233348.
This latest disaster once again highlights the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants trying to enter Europe. Earlier this month, Greek officials recovered the bodies of two migrants near the banks of the Evros River, which serves as a natural border between Greece and Turkey