A devastating boat accident occurred off the Greek island of Lesbos on Thursday, resulting in the loss of seven lives, including two children.
The inflatable boat, carrying approximately 30 migrants, capsized in mild weather conditions near the coast of neighboring Turkey.
The Greek coast guard reported that four bodies were initially discovered in the Aegean Sea, with three more found after a thorough search by patrol boats. Among the deceased were four women, a boy, and a girl. The nationalities of the three remaining victims have not been disclosed.
The survivors, 23 in total, were rescued by the coast guard, who are continuing to search for any additional survivors.
This tragic incident highlights the perils faced by migrants attempting to cross into Europe.
According to the UN, nearly 2,500 people lost their lives during similar crossings last year.
The Greek government has taken a hard stance on migration, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis vowing to prevent illegal entries and deport those not entitled to asylum.
The incident also underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of migration and providing safe passage for those seeking refuge.
As the situation continues to unfold, concerns over the treatment of migrants and the effectiveness of current policies remain at the forefront of the discussion.
