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Two Migrant Shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Result in 16 Deaths Amid Growing Migration Crisis
16 people have lost their lives in two separate shipwrecks off the coasts of Greece and Turkiye. As migrant vessels capsize, the death toll continues to rise, highlighting the perilous journey many take in search of safety. The crisis deepens as over 9,000 migrants have entered Greece in 2025 alone.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-03
Two Migrant Shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Result in 16 Deaths Amid Growing Migration Crisis

Mediterranean Sea — Two separate migrant shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea on Thursday have claimed the lives of 16 people, as dangerous migration routes continue to take a heavy toll on human life.

In Greece, seven people, including two children, died when an inflatable boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of the island of Lesbos. The Greek coast guard initially reported finding four bodies in the Aegean Sea, but after a search by patrol boats, three more were discovered. The boat had been carrying around 30 people when it began sinking in calm weather, just a short distance from the coast of Turkiye.

Among the dead were four women, a boy, and a girl, although the identities and nationalities of the other victims have not yet been confirmed. A search operation for any additional survivors is still ongoing.

The Aegean Sea remains a major crossing point for migrants from Asia and the Middle East trying to reach Western Europe, with many making the perilous journey through Greece’s islands.

Shipwreck off Turkiye

In a separate incident off the coast of Turkiye, nine people died after their boat began sinking early on Thursday morning near the Ayvacik district. The Turkish coast guard and local authorities reported that 25 survivors were rescued, and a search is still underway to locate a missing migrant. The nationalities of the victims have not yet been disclosed.

A Rising Crisis

The deaths come as a stark reminder of the perils of migration in the Mediterranean, where people from war-torn regions often risk their lives in overcrowded, unsafe boats to flee violence and hardship. In 2024 alone, nearly 2,500 deaths were recorded by the United Nations, with nearly 9,000 migrants entering Greece since the beginning of the year.

The rising death toll has highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the region, with Greece’s conservative government recently hardening its stance on illegal migration. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated that those attempting to enter Greece illegally and without asylum status would face deportation.

Greece has been a critical entry point for migrants, with smugglers continuing to facilitate dangerous crossings despite increased security measures. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has called for greater efforts to safeguard lives and provide support for refugees and migrants.

The tragic events underscore the need for international cooperation to address the root causes of migration, as well as ensure safer and more humane treatment for those seeking refuge.
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