Introduction
At least
seven migrants tragically lost their lives, including
one boy,
one girl, and
two women, when their boat sank off the coast of the Greek island of Lesbos.
Context
The boat was spotted by a patrolling coastguard vessel around
2 a.m., north of Lesbos. The region has been a primary entry point for migrants and refugees seeking safety in Europe.
Developments
So far,
23 migrants have been rescued, and search operations are still ongoing. The total number of individuals who may have been aboard the boat remains unclear. Greece, positioned in the southeast corner of the European Union, has historically experienced significant migration pressures. In
2015, nearly
1 million people arrived on its shores, while
54,000 migrants reached Greece last year, making it the second-largest destination for migrants in southern Europe, following Italy. The vast majority of these arrivals were by sea, as reported by the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR.
Conclusion
The ongoing situation highlights the continued challenges faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe, as well as the risks associated with their journeys across dangerous waters.
