At least seven people, including two children, have died after a migrant boat capsized off the northern coast of Lesbos, the Greek coast guard confirmed on Thursday. The tragedy unfolded as a rubber dinghy carrying migrants from Turkey to Greece sank in the Aegean Sea.
A search and rescue operation recovered the bodies, while 23 survivors were rescued and taken to a hospital. The Turkish coast guard also responded to the incident, but the total number of people aboard remains unknown.
Despite favorable weather conditions, it is unclear what caused the boat to overturn. The Greek coast guard, an air force helicopter, and nearby vessels continue the search for more victims.
Lesbos is a key entry point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with many attempting the dangerous sea crossing from Turkey in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats. Fatal accidents remain frequent despite increased patrols by the Greek government and a shift in smuggling routes towards larger vessels from North Africa to southern Greece.
