Rescue Operations Intensify in the Aegean Sea
In the darkness of the Aegean night, Greek rescuers faced challenging conditions as they located 10 migrants stranded on the rugged terrain of Samos Island. This group was discovered following a tragic incident where one migrant lost their life and 25 others were saved from a sunken vessel. The coastguard’s Monday announcement underscored the ongoing risks faced by those seeking refuge on European shores.
The coastguard’s efforts did not cease with this operation. An investigation has been initiated to delve into the circumstances surrounding the sinking boat, aiming to prevent such perilous events in the future.
In a separate occurrence, the vigilant Greek coastguard intercepted a speedboat off the coast of Chios Island on Saturday. Onboard, they found 20 weary migrants, among them two children, who had successfully made landfall on Chios. These islands, Samos and Chios, are situated in the eastern Aegean Sea, a stone’s throw away from Turkey, making them a hotspot for migrant arrivals.
Greece has long stood as a beacon of hope for those fleeing turmoil in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The year 2015 marked a peak in this humanitarian crisis when close to a million souls sought sanctuary on Greek islands via Turkey. Although there was a subsequent decline in these numbers, last year witnessed an upsurge to 41,561 sea arrivals. The current year has already seen 10,854 migrants reaching Greek shores by sea, highlighting the ongoing challenge.
Additionally, a speedboat carrying migrants was found sailing off the island of Chios, where authorities found 20 migrants, including two children. This incident adds to the complex narrative of migration in this region and underscores the continuous efforts of Greek rescuers operating in the Aegean Sea.
