A devastating incident unfolded off the Greek coast on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, as a migrant vessel en route to Italy from eastern Libya capsized, resulting in a significant loss of life. At least 78 individuals have been confirmed dead, with dozens more still unaccounted for. Rescue efforts are underway, and 104 survivors have been pulled from the waters so far.
An extensive search and rescue operation is currently in progress, involving over ten vessels, including six Greek Coast Guard ships, along with aircraft support. The boat sank overnight in international waters, approximately 45 miles southwest of the Peloponnese peninsula, a location known for its deep waters, making the search even more challenging.
While the exact number of people aboard the vessel remains uncertain, initial reports suggest it may have been carrying hundreds of migrants. Four survivors are currently receiving treatment for hypothermia, while others are being provided with essential care, including dry clothing and medical attention, at a shelter in Kalamata.
The vessel is believed to have departed from Tobruk, eastern Libya, a region grappling with instability since the 2011 uprising. This instability has created an environment conducive to human trafficking, with Libya becoming a major departure point for migrants seeking refuge in Europe.
Greek authorities were alerted to the vessel's presence on Tuesday by the Italian coast guard and Frontex, the European Union border protection agency. Early estimates suggested as many as 400 people were on board, with some activist networks reporting even higher numbers, possibly up to 750, based on distress calls received. However, it remains unclear if these calls originated from the sunken vessel.
Despite receiving offers of assistance, including food and supplies from passing merchant vessels, the migrants reportedly declined, expressing their desire to reach Italy. A Greek coast guard vessel shadowed the migrant boat until it tragically capsized and sank in the early hours of Wednesday. The coast guard immediately initiated a large-scale rescue operation.
Alarm Phone, an activist network providing a hotline for migrants, reported receiving a distress call on Tuesday afternoon from a boat in the same vicinity. The migrants on this call described an overcrowded vessel whose captain had allegedly abandoned ship. They requested food and water, which was subsequently supplied by a merchant vessel. It remains uncertain whether this call was from the vessel that sank.
Smugglers operating in the Mediterranean are increasingly employing larger vessels and attempting to remain in international waters to evade Greek coast guard patrols. A similar incident occurred just days earlier, on Sunday, when 90 migrants aboard a U.S.-flagged yacht were rescued after issuing a distress call.
The search for survivors continues, with significant resources deployed, including Greek coast guard vessels, a navy frigate, aircraft, a helicopter, private vessels, and a Frontex drone. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou is traveling to the region to meet with survivors, and political campaigns have been suspended in light of the tragedy.
