12 migrants die in Aegean Sea crossings – Greek coast guard

A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Lesvos, Greece, on Monday, claiming the lives of six people, including an infant, in a catastrophic boat collision. The speedboat, which had been transporting migrants from Turkey, tragically collided with a Greek coast guard vessel before capsizing. Greek authorities confirmed the unfortunate outcome, with rescuers recovering the bodies of four men, one woman, and the infant from the wreckage.

Astonishingly, eight individuals managed to survive the harrowing ordeal and were swiftly transported to a local hospital.

The Greek coast guard reported that the collision occurred approximately 3.5 nautical miles south of Agrilia, Lesvos, with the speedboat striking the coast guard vessel on its left side. The exact circumstances surrounding the tragic event are currently under investigation by the authorities.

In a post on the social media platform X, Greece's shipping minister, Vassilis Kikilias, expressed his firm stance against migrant smugglers, stating that the government's position remains unwavering: "zero tolerance for smugglers." This sentiment underscores the severity of the situation and the grave consequences faced by those involved in the illicit trafficking of humans.

Migrant smuggling has long been a pressing issue for Greece, serving as a primary entry point for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In the years leading up to the incident, Greece witnessed a staggering influx of 1 million people landing on its islands, primarily from Turkey, during the intense years of 2015-16. As the nation grapples with this ongoing crisis, the government remains resolute in its commitment to eradicate the activities of migrant smugglers.