Boat carrying 100 migrants sinks near Gavdos, one dead, two missing
- A wooden boat carrying about 100 migrants sank south of Gavdos, Greece, resulting in one confirmed death and two missing.
- Ninety-seven survivors were rescued by a cargo ship and taken to Heraklion, with the group including individuals from various countries.
- The incident highlights the ongoing migration crisis in Greece, as many continue to risk their lives in search of safety and better opportunities.
On October 16, 2024, a tragic incident occurred south of Gavdos, a small Greek island, where a wooden boat carrying approximately 100 migrants sank. The Greek coast guard reported that at least one man died, and two others are still missing. A passing cargo ship managed to rescue 97 individuals, who were subsequently taken to Heraklion on the island of Crete. Among the survivors were men from Pakistan, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Somalia. The missing individuals are believed to be from Pakistan and Sudan, and the body of one man was recovered during ongoing search efforts. This incident highlights the ongoing crisis of migration in Greece, which serves as a significant entry point into the European Union for those fleeing conflict and poverty. The boat sank approximately 40 kilometers south of Gavdos, although the exact reasons for the sinking remain unclear. This event follows another recent tragedy where two women and two children lost their lives when a smuggling boat capsized near the eastern Greek island of Kos. Greece has seen a surge in migrant arrivals, with over 42,000 registered by early October 2024, primarily arriving by sea from Turkey. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, as well as the impacts of climate change, which are expected to increase migration pressures on Europe in the long term. The Greek government is under pressure to address these challenges, particularly in light of a new EU migration pact set to take effect in mid-2026. As the search and rescue operations continue, the plight of migrants remains a pressing issue, drawing attention to the need for comprehensive solutions to manage migration effectively and humanely.