Tragedy Strikes: Migrant Boat Sinks Off Greek Island, Leaving Four Dead

At least four migrants lost their lives when their boat sank off the Greek island of Samos. Initially, 30 migrants were aboard the vessel. The Greek coastguard has rescued five migrants, with 25 more found on shore. Strong winds hampered search and rescue efforts.

At least four migrants died when their boat sank on Monday off the Greek island of Samos, according to the Greek coastguard.

Initially, 30 migrants were believed to be on board the vessel that foundered off the rocky shores of Agios Isidoros in the northwestern part of the Aegean island, said coastguard officials. The deceased migrants were all women. So far, five migrants have been rescued, including a pregnant woman and a minor, both of whom were taken to the hospital for medical checks, officials told Reuters.

The coastguard reported that another 25 migrants were located on shore. It was unclear if they had been on the vessel that sank. Four vessels and a naval helicopter were deployed in the search-and-rescue operation following a resident's report of migrants on the shore.

Strong winds in the area hindered the operation, the official added. Greek authorities were also combing the island in case some of the missing migrants had already reached the shore.

In 2015-2016, Greece was a preferred entry point to the European Union for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with nearly 1 million people arriving, mostly via inflatable dinghies. Although the flow of migrants had decreased, it has resurged in the past year.