32 migrants rescued, 1 dead off Greek island of Lesbos

·

A search and rescue operation was underway in the eastern Aegean Sea on Wednesday after a dinghy carrying migrants either sank or overturned off the Greek island of Lesbos, the Greek coast guard said.

The body of one woman was recovered from the sea in the early afternoon, while 32 people — 15 men, 14 women and three children — were rescued, it said. One more woman was listed as missing, and two coast guard patrol boats, one volunteer rescue team boat and an aircraft from the European border agency Frontex were participating in the search.

The migrants were located during a routine patrol early Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi issued a statement expressing his “sorrow for the shipwreck … and the loss of human lives.”

Photo: Protothema

Mitarachi accused the Turkish coast guard of not assisting the migrants when they issued a distress call.

“It is inconceivable to allow inflatable boats, that do not meet any safety requirements and are being steered by people without permission and knowledge of the rules of the sea, to cross the Aegean,” he said.

“It is inconceivable to allow inflatable boats, which do not meet any safety requirements and are being steered by people without permission and knowledge of the rules of the sea, to cross the Aegean,” Mitarachi said in his written statement, adding that “those who allow it … are knowingly, unfortunately, putting human lives at great risk.”

Notis Mirachi.

Greece remains one of the most popular routes into the European Union for people fleeing poverty and conflict in the Mideast, Africa and Asia. The vast majority make their way from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands, often in unseaworthy and grossly overcrowded dinghies and boats.

Mitarachi also criticized refugee aid groups on the Greek islands, saying they are “encouraging these behaviors.” It wasn’t immediately clear what he was referring to, or whether any aid group had been involved in Wednesday’s incident. His ministry didn’t immediately respond to a request for further comment.

Sourced By: AP news

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek school memories: Honouring the teachers who shaped our language and lives

Both the negative and heartfelt stories of Greek school have a way of becoming core memories for Greek Australians.

Spotlight on VCE Greek teacher Kristian Raspa

Sunday, October 5th is World Teachers’ Day and gives us the opportunity to celebrate the influential educators who have shaped our lives.

Movie ‘Arcadia’ picked for Oscars 2026 as Greek entry

The submission will represent the country at the 98th edition of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States.

Greece remains world’s maritime powerhouse in 2025

Greece continues to dominate global shipping, maintaining its position as the world’s top ship-owning nation by capacity.

WA Parliament hosts discussion on book honouring Colonel George Devine Treloar

The Hon. Maryka Groenewald MLC hosted an afternoon tea discussion on Tuesday, 30 September at the Parliament of Western Australia.

You May Also Like

St Porphyrios Greek Orthodox church in Gaza opens medical clinic

Saint Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza has established a medical point within its subsidiary accommodation centre.

‘Lives in our hands’: Pauline Maniskas on helping people with a disability surf in NSW

Pauline Maniskas shares with The Greek Herald what it's like to help people with a disability surf in New South Wales.

Inaugural NSW Reads event to feature Andrew Pippos’ debut novel ‘Lucky’s’

Readers will be able to join an Instagram read-along as well as take part in an online panel discussion on Greek-Australian cafes past and present.