At least 17 people have died in the Aegean Sea after carrying migrants capsized near Lesbos. Following another shipwreck off the island of Kythira, many are still missing, reports the Vatican News. At least 15 people have died in the Aegean Sea after a dinghy carrying migrants capsized. Those that lost their lives were onboard a dinghy that sank off the coast of Lesvos in the Aegean.
According to Greece’s maritime authorities, another 15 people were plucked alive from the frigid waters. Those survivors told authorities that about 40 people were on board when the vessel began to sink. It is reported the victims were young African women.
In another incident, at least 80 people were rescued off the island of Kythira in southern Greece after another boat foundered and crashed onto rocks on Wednesday night.
Survivors – mostly from Iran and Afghanistan – said approximately 95 people were on the boat.
Both vessels are suspected of travelling from neighbouring Turkey.
According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), since January 2022, 64 people have died trying to cross into Europe from Turkey, compared to 111 for the whole of last year.
(Adapted and Edited from the Vatican News)