Capsized Boat in Greece had over 100 Children On Board

Survivors from a fishing boat that sank off the southern coast of Greece, in what is considered one of Europe’s most tragic migrant disasters, have revealed that an estimated 100 children may have been on board. The current death toll stands at 78 individuals, but there are fears that many more remain missing at sea, as reports indicate that the vessel could have carried up to 750 people. Greek authorities have made nine arrests, including several Egyptians, on suspicion of people trafficking. The coastguard has faced criticism for not intervening sooner, although they claim that their offers of aid were initially refused. Despite diminishing hopes of finding additional survivors, rescue teams continue to search the area where the boat capsized, approximately 50 nautical miles off the southwestern coast. The boat had initially departed from Egypt without passengers and subsequently stopped at the Libyan port of Tobruk, where it embarked on migrants destined for Italy, according to Greek media. While images reveal overcrowded decks, accounts from medical professionals who treated the predominantly male survivors indicate that a significant number of women and children were in the ship’s hold. A senior doctor at Kalamata General Hospital disclosed to the BBC that there may have been as many as 100 children on board the ill-fated vessel.

Source: BBC