Migrant Boat Sinks off Greek Coast, Woman and Child Dead, Three Missing
Athens — A migrant boat carrying more than 50 people sank off the Greek coast near the island of Ikaria in the northern Aegean Sea, leaving a woman and a young boy dead and three others missing, Greek coastguard authorities confirmed on Sunday.
According to officials, at least 50 migrants were rescued from the sea and are now receiving care from local authorities. Search and rescue operations remain underway, with coastguard vessels deployed to the area and additional rescue teams and divers expected to join efforts later in the day.
Rescue operations have been complicated by strong winds and rough sea conditions, state broadcaster ERT reported, slowing the search for the missing passengers.
Ikaria is located close to Turkey’s western coastline, a well-known departure point for migrants attempting to reach the European Union via short but dangerous sea crossings. In recent years, many migrants have also taken longer and equally hazardous routes from Libya toward Crete in southern Greece.
Fatal maritime incidents involving migrant boats remain a persistent humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean. In early December, at least 17 people were confirmed dead after a vessel sank off the coast of Crete, with 15 others reported missing and only two survivors found.
Data from the UN Refugee Agency indicates that 107 people died or went missing off the Greek coast in 2025 alone. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration estimates that nearly 33,000 migrants have lost their lives or disappeared while attempting to cross the Mediterranean since 2014.
The latest tragedy underscores ongoing concerns over migrant safety, border management, and the urgent need for coordinated international responses to prevent further loss of life at sea.
