© UNHCR/Achilleas Zavallis
On 10 August, a boat sank off the coast of Rhodes island, Greece. The boat was reportedly travelling from Turkey towards Italy. Some 34 people have been rescued so far. Survivors report between 60 and 80 people may have been on board, while dozens remain missing.
The Greek coast guard with the support of the Navy, the Air Force, and private vessels, reported rescuing 29 people who have been transported to safety. The Turkish Coast Guard report that they have also rescued a further five people found in Turkish waters.
“This continuing loss of life is unacceptable. Without alternative safe pathways, both refugees and migrants continue to risk their lives. Everyone has the right to seek safety if they are fleeing war and persecution. The mounting deaths at Europe’s borders need to end,” said Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR Representative in Greece.
UNHCR estimates that in the first half of 2022, almost 1,200 people have already lost their lives or gone missing at sea while trying to reach Europe through the Mediterranean and the northwestern African maritime route. This includes at least 25 people in the Eastern Mediterranean.
This is in addition to more than 3,100 people who died or went missing making the same dangerous journeys last year.
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