Greek Coast Guard
ATHENS: On Monday, the Greek coast guard discovered the bodies of two women and rescued 39 other migrants on the small island of Farmakonisi in the Aegean Sea.
The incident, which took place just 6 miles (9.7 km) from the Turkish coast, has prompted an ongoing investigation by authorities to determine the cause of the deaths and what led to the migrants’ arrival on the island.
The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear at this time, and the coast guard has yet to confirm whether they were the result of a shipwreck or other causes.
Authorities were alerted that the migrants had reached Farmakonisi earlier in the day, and rescue teams have been continuing their search in an effort to locate any additional survivors who may have been part of the group.
The migrants who were rescued were transferred to the nearby island of Leros, where they were given aid and assistance.
Farmakonisi is one of many islands in Greece that has long served as a key entry point for migrants and refugees seeking to reach Europe. These individuals, primarily from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, often make perilous journeys across the Aegean Sea in overcrowded and unsafe boats.
Greece, situated in the southeastern corner of the European Union, has historically been a major gateway for migration to Europe. Since the beginning of the European migration crisis in 2015, the Greek coast guard has rescued more than 250,000 individuals, many of whom have arrived from neighboring Turkey.
Despite these efforts, thousands of migrants have tragically lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea, attempting to cross into Europe. The United Nations refugee agency has consistently reported on the high number of fatalities, as dangerous conditions at sea and the lack of safe passageways continue to claim lives.
Just this month, at least seven migrants drowned when their boat sank off the island of Lesbos, including a boy, a girl, and two women, further underscoring the ongoing risks faced by those trying to reach safety.
The tragic events off Farmakonisi serve as yet another stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of migration and the dangers faced by those seeking refuge in Europe.
