At least eight migrants, including six children and two women, drowned on Monday off the coast of Samos in the eastern Aegean after their boat encountered trouble in strong winds.
Local authorities reported that 36 migrants managed to swim to safety, while the Greek coast guard rescued three others. Survivors indicated the boat carried as many as 50 people. Suspected smugglers have been detained.
Samos is a frequent destination for migrants crossing from Turkey. Greece’s Migration Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, condemned smugglers, calling for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies.
The number of migrant arrivals in Greece has surged in 2024, with nearly 48,000 arriving by sea, including over 8,000 on Samos. Registration centers on the islands are nearing capacity, housing around 13,000 people in facilities designed for 14,000.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, involving multiple vessels, a naval ship, a helicopter and land teams.
