UN Warns of Rising Migrant Deaths in Greece

ATHENS, Greece — The United Nations refugee agency has expressed deep concern over a recent surge in migrant deaths in Greek waters. This week alone, two fatal shipwrecks claimed the lives of multiple individuals attempting to reach Greece by sea from Turkey in small boats.

So far this year, at least 45 migrants have perished in these perilous journeys. The UNHCR reported that 17 deaths occurred in November alone.

Since January 2023, over 56,000 people have illegally entered Greece, primarily by sea. This marks a five-year high and surpasses the government's October estimate of 50,000 arrivals by year-end.

Maria Clara Martin, the UNHCR representative in Greece, emphasized the urgent need for sustainable solutions and safer alternatives for those fleeing conflict, persecution, and human rights abuses. She condemned the increasing loss of life at sea, urging the international community to take decisive action.

One of this week's tragic incidents off the island of Samos resulted in the heartbreaking loss of a mother's three children and another survivor's wife and daughter.

Greek authorities attribute the rise in migrant arrivals to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. While the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from Libya to Crete has seen an uptick, the majority of migrants are transported by smuggling gangs from Turkey to the eastern Aegean islands.

On Friday, the Greek coast guard apprehended a 17-year-old Turkish youth suspected of smuggling 16 migrants, including three children, to the island of Chios.

Tragedy in Samos: Boat with migrants sinks – Three dead, dozens missing