The incident occurred as the Greek coastguard mobilized aircraft and vessels for search efforts after being alerted by a non-governmental organization. Estimates suggest approximately 50 migrants were on board the distressed vessel. Samos, a frequently chosen landing point for migrants due to its proximity to Turkey, has witnessed a notable influx, with over 50,000 arrivals in Greece this year alone.
Although there had been a decline in migrant crossings since August 2023, numbers surged again over the summer months, as per data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In total, around 160,000 migrants are reported to have reached Europe by sea this year, with 2,000 lives lost or missing during these perilous journeys. Disturbingly, around 23% of those arriving are children, highlighting the urgent need for increased protections and humanitarian responses in this ongoing crisis.
Although there had been a decline in migrant crossings since August 2023, numbers surged again over the summer months, as per data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In total, around 160,000 migrants are reported to have reached Europe by sea this year, with 2,000 lives lost or missing during these perilous journeys. Disturbingly, around 23% of those arriving are children, highlighting the urgent need for increased protections and humanitarian responses in this ongoing crisis.
