Rhodes, Greece – A search is underway off the coast of Rhodes for potential survivors or victims after a speedboat carrying migrants capsized on Friday. Greek coast guard officials have confirmed eight deaths as a result of the incident.
The boat, carrying Afghan nationals, capsized while attempting to evade a Coast Guard patrol vessel, authorities said. Eighteen people—12 men, three women, and three minors—were rescued and are receiving care, with some hospitalized, including one in critical condition. The deceased are also Afghan nationals.
Two Turkish citizens, aged 23 and 19, have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking. The speedboat sank after the capsizing, according to the Coast Guard.
This tragedy marks the second deadly incident involving migrants in Greek waters within a week. Last weekend, seven migrants died, and dozens more are feared missing after a boat partially sank south of Crete. That incident was one of four rescue operations that resulted in over 200 migrants being brought to safety. A search operation south of Crete, near the small island of Gavdos, was concluded on Wednesday.
Greek government data projects that the number of migrants illegally entering Greece will exceed 60,000 this year. Syrians are the largest group, followed by Afghans, Egyptians, Eritreans, and Palestinians.