At least 22 migrants have died off the coast of Greece after spending nearly a week at sea without food or water, in one of the deadliest recent incidents along Europe’s migration routes.
A further 26 people survived and were rescued by a vessel operated by Frontex near the island of Crete. Greek officials said the survivors included a woman and a minor, with several transferred to hospitals for urgent treatment.
Among those rescued, 21 were nationals of Bangladesh, four from South Sudan and one from Chad, according to authorities.
The boat had departed from Tobruk, a key departure point in eastern Libya, on March 21. Survivors told officials the vessel drifted for six days after losing direction in the open sea, leaving passengers without supplies.
According to testimonies, the bodies of those who died were thrown into the Mediterranean Sea on the orders of a person aboard the vessel, as conditions deteriorated during the journey.
Greek authorities have arrested two men from South Sudan, aged 19 and 22, suspected of acting as smugglers. They are now under investigation for illegal entry and negligent homicide.
The incident underscores the continuing risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe, as crossings from North Africa remain among the most dangerous routes in the world.