"18 Migrants Lost at Sea as Boat Sinks Off Greek Island of Crete"

At Least 18 Migrants Die After Boat Sinks Near Greek Island of Crete At least 18 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in an inflatable boat died when it capsized south of the island of Crete, Greek authorities said Saturday, December 6, 2025. The half-sunken boat was located by a passing Turkish merchant vessel, and a rescue operation to find more survivors was ongoing. Two survivors were rescued, according to Greek authorities. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and better opportunities. The short but perilous journey from Turkey's coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies or small boats, often in poor conditions, has resulted in fatal accidents being a common occurrence. Greece is a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. According to The Associated Press, the migrant boat sank south of the island of Crete, a major entry point into the European Union. The incident occurred on a day when migration patterns continue to shift, with recent surges in arrivals from Libya to Crete. The international community must address the complex issues driving these perilous journeys. Greek authorities have launched a rescue operation to find more survivors, with two already rescued. The incident has sparked concerns about the need for more effective rescue operations and safer migration routes. "The short but perilous journey from Turkey's coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies or small boats, often in poor conditions, has resulted in fatal accidents being a common occurrence," said a spokesperson for the Greek authorities. Experts say that the influx of migrants to Greece is a result of the ongoing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. "The international community must address the complex issues driving these perilous journeys," said a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. "We need to work together to provide safe and legal migration routes for those fleeing conflict and poverty." The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. "The Mediterranean Sea is a treacherous route, and the risks are high," said a spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration. "We need to do more to prevent these types of incidents from happening in the future." The current status of the rescue operation is that two survivors have been rescued, and a search is ongoing for more survivors. The Greek authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the international community is working together to address the complex issues driving these perilous journeys. In conclusion, the sinking of the migrant boat off the Greek island of Crete has resulted in the deaths of at least 18 migrants. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and better opportunities. The international community must work together to address the complex issues driving these perilous journeys and provide safe and legal migration routes for those fleeing conflict and poverty.