12 Migrants Drown in the Aegean Sea

In a new migrant tragedy along Europe’s maritime borders, at least 12 migrants have drowned in two separate incidents in the Aegean Sea. One of the incidents reportedly occurred after a migrant boat collided with a vessel belonging to the Greek security forces.

According to information provided by Greek Coast Guard authorities, in the first incident near the island of Lesbos, a migrant boat collided with a maritime police vessel. As a result, six people lost their lives, including four women and an infant. Their bodies were recovered from the water.

In the same sea, near the island of Samos, another incident involving a capsized boat was reported. The Coast Guard confirmed that another small boat carrying refugees had sunk in the area, where the bodies of six more migrants were discovered.

The eastern Greek islands, particularly Lesbos and Samos, which lie just a few kilometres from the Turkish coast, have for many years served as a major route for migrants from the Middle East and Africa seeking to reach the European Union.

Despite tighter security measures and an increase in European patrols in the Aegean Sea, smugglers continue to transport refugees across these waters in rubber boats that are unsuitable for navigating dangerous waves.

As a result, this maritime route continues to witness deadly tragedies, claiming the lives of thousands of women, children and young people.