Tragedy struck off the southern Greek island of Gavdos as at least five migrants drowned when their wooden boat capsized, the Greek coastguard confirmed on Saturday. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous journeys across the Mediterranean.
Rescue efforts saved 39 men, most of whom are from Pakistan. They were transferred to the island of Crete for safety and medical assistance. However, many others remain unaccounted for, and the exact number of missing individuals has not yet been confirmed. The search operation, involving coastguard boats, merchant vessels, an Italian frigate, and naval aircraft, continues to comb the area after the alert was raised on Friday night.
In separate incidents on Saturday, a Malta-flagged cargo vessel rescued 47 migrants from a distressed boat about 40 nautical miles off Gavdos. Additionally, a tanker rescued 88 migrants approximately 28 nautical miles from the island. Authorities believe the boats departed together from Libya, a frequent starting point for migrant journeys to Europe.
Greece has long been a critical gateway for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia seeking a better life in Europe. In 2015-2016, nearly one million people arrived on Greek islands, often traveling in overcrowded and unsafe boats. Recently, incidents involving migrant boats have increased near Crete and Gavdos, which are isolated in the central Mediterranean and exposed to challenging conditions.
The Mediterranean has witnessed numerous migrant tragedies over the years. In 2023, one of the deadliest incidents occurred near the Greek coastal town of Pylos when an overcrowded vessel sank, resulting in hundreds of deaths. This disaster remains a stark reminder of the risks faced by migrants.
Efforts to address these issues require international cooperation and enhanced measures to ensure safe migration routes. However, as the Mediterranean continues to be a key migration pathway, the risks of such tragedies persist.