Tragedy at Sea: Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Greek Island

Eighteen migrants lost their lives when their boat capsized near the Greek island of Chrysi. A Turkish cargo ship spotted the overturned vessel and alerted Greek authorities. Despite decreased migration flows since 2015-16, there has been a recent increase in migrant boats heading towards Greek islands.

In a tragic incident off the southern Greek coast, eighteen migrants have drowned after their boat capsized near the island of Chrysi, according to a coast guard official on Saturday. Two individuals were rescued from the sea, officials added.

The boat was initially detected by a Turkish cargo ship that reported the situation to Greek authorities. Those rescued from the water are being taken to the island of Crete for assistance, the official said. In 2015-16, Greece was at the forefront of a migration crisis.

Although migration flows have decreased in recent years, the past year has witnessed a surge in migrant boats primarily from Libya, aiming for Greek islands such as Crete, Gavdos, and Chrysi. Fatal accidents involving these vessels remain tragically common.

(With inputs from agencies.)