Athens [Greece], April 4: At least seven migrants have died in a boat accident in the strait between Turkey and the Greek island of Lesbos, Greek media reported on Thursday.
Two children were among the dead, the Greek radio station ERTnews reported. Police said 23 people were rescued, but survivors said 31 people were on board the boat.
A rescue operation is ongoing, the radio report said.
According to initial findings by the coastguard, the people come from Afghanistan and Syria. Smugglers repeatedly attempt to transport migrants to Europe from the western coast of Turkey, Lebanon or Syria. For many, this journey ends tragically.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said at least 125 migrants died or went missing in the eastern Mediterranean in 2024, but the Greek coastguard suspect the number of unreported cases is much higher.
Source: Qatar Tribune
