Twenty-two migrants die after six days at sea off the Greek coast
Twenty-two migrants die after six days at sea off the Greek coast
Twenty-two migrants died after six days adrift in a dinghy off Crete as 26 survivors were rescued; authorities cite harsh weather and shortages as factors.
Twenty-two migrants have died off the Greek coast after six days adrift in a dinghy that left Tobruk in eastern Libya on 21 March. A European border agency vessel rescued 26 survivors on Friday, two of whom were taken to hospital in Heraklion on Crete. The coastguard said the journey was perilous, with poor weather and a lack of food and water contributing to the tragedy.
The boat carried passengers from Bangladesh, South Sudan and Chad. Authorities say 21 of the survivors were from Bangladesh, four from South Sudan and one from Chad. Two men from South Sudan, aged 19 and 22, have been arrested on suspicion of people trafficking and face charges of illegal entry into the country and negligent homicide.
The vessel stopped about 53 nautical miles from Ierapetra on Crete's southern coast. UNHCR data show that Greece saw 41,696 arrivals by sea in 2025, with more than 4,000 this year so far. The crossing is known to be dangerous, especially in rough weather, when smugglers crowd boats and delay lifejackets and supplies. In 2025, at least 103 people are dead or missing in the eastern Mediterranean, according to UNHCR figures. This tragedy underscores the ongoing debate over migrant routes and the need for safer, legal pathways for those seeking asylum.
