Lesbos: A migrant boat has capsized in the Aegean Sea, situated between the Turkish mainland and the Greek island of Lesbos, as reported by the Greek Coast Guard on Thursday. At least seven individuals, including two children, have lost their lives.
The vessel was en route from the Turkish coast to Lesbos when it was spotted by a coast guard patrol in the early hours of the morning.
So far, at least 23 individuals have been rescued and transported to a hospital, according to the Turkish news agency Anadolu.
The cause of the boat's capsizing remains unknown, and there is currently no information regarding the total number of passengers or their nationalities.
What are the next steps?
A search and rescue operation is actively underway, involving three coast guard ships, an air force helicopter, and a nearby vessel to look for any additional victims.
Greece's islands frequently serve as the initial entry point into the European Union for migrants from various regions worldwide. Many are escaping conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Last year, approximately 54,000 individuals arrived in Greece, primarily by boat.
A report from the organization Refugee Support Aegean (RSA) indicates that at least 171 people have died or gone missing in 2024 while attempting to cross the Aegean Sea.
