At least 18 migrants have died after a small boat capsized south of the Greek island of Crete, Greek authorities reported on Saturday.
According to officials, the vessel was first spotted by a passing Turkish commercial ship, which alerted the Greek Coast Guard. Two survivors were rescued, while search-and-rescue operations continued into Sunday as authorities fear the death toll may rise.
Greece remains one of the main entry points into the European Union for people fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Deadly accidents in the Mediterranean are tragically common, particularly along the perilous route between Turkey and the Greek islands, where overcrowded and unsafe boats frequently attempt the crossing.
The route once saw massive numbers of arrivals, though increased patrols and stricter border control measures have significantly reduced crossings in recent years.
Authorities have yet to determine the origin of the vessel or the nationalities of those on board.
