Tragic Loss of Life Off Greek Coast
Twenty-two migrants have died off the Greek coast after spending six days adrift in a dinghy en route to Europe, according to the Greek coastguard.
On Friday, a European border agency vessel rescued 26 survivors, including a woman and a child. Two of the survivors were hospitalized in Heraklion on the island of Crete.
Journey and Conditions
The migrant boat departed from the port of Tobruk in eastern Libya on 21 March, as reported by news agency AFP citing a coastguard spokesperson. The deaths were attributed to poor weather conditions and a lack of food and water during the voyage, the coastguard stated.
Greece and Italy frequently receive large numbers of undocumented migrants crossing the Mediterranean, often originating from Turkey and northern Africa. These crossings typically increase during summer months when weather conditions are more favorable.
"During the journey, the passengers [of the dinghy] lost their orientation and remained at sea for six days without water and food," the Greek coastguard said.
The boat was intercepted 53 nautical miles from Ierapetra, a city located on Crete's southern coast.
Legal Actions and Survivor Details
Greek authorities have arrested two men from South Sudan, aged 19 and 22, on suspicion of people trafficking. They are currently under investigation for "illegal entry into the country" and "negligent homicide."
The coastguard reported that among the survivors, 21 were from Bangladesh, four from South Sudan, and one from Chad.
Migrant Arrivals and Risks
According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, at least 41,696 migrants arrived in Greece by sea in 2025, with over 4,000 arrivals recorded so far this year.
The journey across the Mediterranean is often dangerous, especially during adverse weather. People smugglers frequently overcrowd vessels, which lack sufficient supplies and lifejackets.
UNHCR data indicates that at least 103 individuals were reported dead or missing in the eastern Mediterranean in 2025.
In a related incident in December, 17 migrants were found dead inside a boat that had taken on water and partially submerged near the Cretan coast.
