Migration Tragedy in Greece: 17 Refugees Dead off Crete

DID Press: Greek Coast Guard reported the discovery of 17 refugee bodies in a boat near Crete island. Two other passengers survived and said the vessel lost control due to a storm and rough sea conditions.

The victims and survivors were found approximately 48 kilometers southwest of Crete, and all deceased were young men, according to the Coast Guard spokesperson.

Since 2015, Greece has been a major entry route for irregular migrants and refugees into the European Union, with over one million arrivals recorded along this path. Hundreds have died attempting the perilous sea journey.

Last month, two migrant boats sank off the coast of Libya, killing at least four people. One boat carried 26 Bangladeshi nationals, while the other had 69 passengers from Sudan and Egypt, including children, with the status of some still unknown.