The Greek Coast Guard has reported that a boat carrying refugees capsized in its waters, resulting in the drowning and death of eight citizens of Afghanistan.
International media outlets reported on Sunday, December 21, that the vessel capsized and sank near the island of Rhodes in eastern Greece.
According to the Greek Coast Guard, 17 passengers on the boat, including 12 men and 3 women, all Afghan citizens, were rescued during the operation.
The Greek Coast Guard has also announced the arrest of two Turkish nationals on charges of migrant trafficking.
Greek authorities have confirmed the death of eight people in the incident and added that some of the refugees have been hospitalized, with the condition of one of them being critical.
Greece is one of the main routes for migrants entering European countries, with thousands of refugees, especially from Afghanistan and Syria, losing their lives each year while attempting this dangerous journey.
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Previously, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had reported that 25% of refugees arriving in Greece by sea are Afghan nationals.
According to data from the UNHCR, a total of 27,352 refugees have reached Greece by sea in 2024.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and a better future. Despite international efforts to provide aid and regulate migration, the perilous journeys continue to claim lives, especially for those fleeing conflict zones like Afghanistan and Syria.
The rising number of refugee deaths in the Mediterranean also underscores the urgent need for more effective solutions, including better rescue operations, safer migration routes, and greater international cooperation to address the root causes of displacement. As the global refugee crisis continues to unfold, the world must come together to prevent further loss of life and ensure the protection and dignity of those forced to flee their homes.