- 48-hour search ongoing for child among 31 Afghan migrants
- Seven fatalities confirmed with 23 survivors rescued near Lesbos
- 20-year-old suspect arrested for alleged smuggling operation
The Hellenic Coast Guard continues its desperate search off the eastern Aegean islands as international attention focuses on another Mediterranean migration tragedy. Survivors from the sunken inflatable craft reported three children aboard when the vessel began taking water early Thursday morning. Authorities confirmed the rubber dinghy measured just 16 feet - dangerously undersized for its 31 passengers.
New details reveal Turkish rescue teams recovered nine bodies from a separate incident in nearby waters within 24 hours of the Greek operation. This pattern mirrors 2023 data showing a 17% increase in Aegean crossing attempts compared to previous years despite heightened border patrols. Maritime safety experts emphasize that over 80% of migrant vessels now depart Turkey with inadequate flotation devices.
The arrested pilot, identified only as a Kabul native, faces up to 10 years imprisonment under Greece’s strict anti-smuggling laws. This case follows last month’s conviction of three Syrian nationals in Crete, where judges imposed record €150,000 fines per transported migrant. Human rights organizations argue these measures disproportionately punish desperate refugees rather than criminal networks.
Regional analysts point to the Evros land border closure as a key factor driving more migrants toward dangerous sea routes. A recent University of Athens study found 63% of Afghan refugees now attempt island crossings rather than risk detection at northern checkpoints. Families are literally choosing between minefields and shipwrecks,stated migration researcher Eleni Papatheodorou.
As EU leaders debate revised border protection measures, local fishermen describe finding abandoned life jackets weekly along Lesbos’ northeastern shores. They use children’s inflatable toys as buoys,said veteran captain Dimitris Marinos. Every storm season brings new tragedies.Weather records show 40% of 2024’s migrant boats attempted crossings during gale warnings.
