Greek coast: India Today reports that 79 people have died in one of Europe’s deadliest shipping disasters off the Greek coast. Furthermore, hundreds are missing after the boat carrying more than 400 passengers capsized southwest of Greece.
So far, 104 people have been rescued from the boat which capsized at around 2 a.m. on Wednesday.
Another source says that 750 people were aboard the boat which apparently started its journey from Libya. Rescuers believe that the capsized boat was headed toward Italy.
Most of the migrants on the boat were from Syria, Egypt and Pakistan. All three countries are facing grave economic crises.
Military aircraft in the area are lighting up parts of the Mediterranean Ocean with flares hoping to find survivors. The wreck site is located approximately 50 miles from Pylos, a coastal town in southern Greece.
National mourning
Survivors are receiving medical attention at the Greek port of Kalamata. They have also been given temporary shelter by the authorities.
According to the news report, the Greek Coast Guard had offered assistance to the boat but the offer was turned down. The vessel continued to sail towards Italy.
A few hours later, the boat capsized.
Meanwhile, the Greek Government has ordered a 2-day national mourning for all those deceased in the boat tragedy.
Highest level of illegal immigration
A Yahoo News report says that illegal immigration into Europe has reached its highest level since 2016. Illegal migrants are arriving in Europe by land, sea and air routes.
Authorities say 18,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Italy since January 1, 2023. This figure is “three times higher than the same period last year.”
Quoting Frontex data, Yahoo News reports that 300,000 people crossed into Europe in 2022. These crossings happened via the Balkans, the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel.
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