Tragedy Strikes off Coast of Greece as Two Migrant Boats Capsize: Lives Lost, Urgent Action Needed

Tragedy struck off the coast of Greece on Monday as two migrant boats capsized, resulting in the deaths of five people, including an 11-month-old girl. The first incident occurred at 3:00 am near the island of Samos, close to the Turkish border. The coastguard successfully rescued 37 individuals, but sadly, a woman lost her life. Just a few hours later, another boat sank near the Greek island of Lesbos, claiming the lives of four migrants, including an eight-year-old boy and three young girls aged 11 months, eight years, and 14 years. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by migrants attempting to seek refuge in Greece.

According to government figures cited by public broadcaster ERT, a total of 1,100 people arrived in Greece in August, a significant increase from 789 in July and 608 in June. From January to August this year, a staggering 10,790 migrants have arrived in Greece, compared to 5,216 during the same period the previous year. These figures serve as a grim reminder of the risks migrants are willing to take to escape conflict, poverty, and persecution. In June, a tragic incident saw an overcrowded fishing trawler, carrying up to 750 individuals picked up from Libya, sink off the coast of Greece.

Despite rescue efforts, it is estimated that around 600 people lost their lives. Most of the migrants arriving in Greece in recent years are from war-torn countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. They attempt to enter Greece through both sea and land borders, primarily with neighboring Turkey. As a response to the increasing migrant influx, Greece has implemented stricter migration policies and intensified patrols in the Aegean Sea with the support of the European Border Surveillance Agency, Frontex. These devastating incidents serve as a wake-up call to the international community, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and well-being of those seeking refuge.