Three girls, one woman die after migrant dinghy sinks near Chios

·

Three girls and a woman died after a dinghy transporting migrants from the coast of Turkey sank near Chios on Tuesday, Greek authorities said. 

Three rescue helicopters, two coast guard vessels, and at least six nearby private boats took part in rescuing another 22 on the boat – 14 men, seven women, and a child – and at least one person who went missing.

“A large number of passengers was on the vessel. That fact, in combination with adverse weather conditions, led to the detachment of the boat floor,” the Greek coast guard said, noting that none of the passengers wore life jackets.

Ναυάγιο με νεκρούς μετανάστες και πρόσφυγες Ανατολικά της Χίου, όταν βυθίστηκε η λέμβος στην οποία επέβαιναν.Σε εξέλιξη επιχείρηση διάσωσης. Στιγμιότυπο από την μεταφορά των διασωθέντων στο λιμάνι από σκάφος του Λιμενικού (ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΒΟΥΧΟΥΡΗΣ/EUROKINISSI, 26 October 2021)

In a tweet, Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi said the dead children ranged in age from 3 to 14. He initially reported that all of the passengers who died were minors.

The minister accused the Turkish government of failing to observe its 2016 agreement with the European Union to try to keep asylum-seekers from setting out for EU territory from Turkey.

“The Turkish authorities must do more to prevent exploitation by criminal gangs at source. These journeys should never be allowed to happen,” Mitarachi wrote.

Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi accused the Turkish government of not doing enough to prevent incidents like Tuesday’s sinking (ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ/ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ/ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΚΟΛΕΣΙΔΗΣ, 2019)

Turkey, which hosts about 4 million refugees, counters that the EU has been slow to deliver on promises of financial support.

Greece was the main entry point for refugees and migrants entering the European Union during a 2015-16 period of mass migration. The number of arrivals has dropped sharply over the past two years in part due to tougher policing measures.

Greece is seeking EU support for tougher policing at the eastern and southern borders of the 27-nation bloc, including funds to extend border walls.

Source: AP

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Applications open for the Cultural Program of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney 2026

Submissions are open for the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney - artists, performers, writers and creatives are invited to apply by 21 November.

Greeks and Serbs unite in Sydney for 31st Annual Day of Friendship

The Greek and Serbian communities of Sydney came together for the 31st Annual Greek-Serbian Orthodox & Cultural Friendship Day.

When grammar meets glendi at Melbourne’s Greek School Celebration

The Stars International Reception Hall in Preston pulsed with music, laughter, and the sound of Greek on Saturday night.

‘It was fate’: Renos Haralambidis to attend Sydney Greek Film Festival milestone

Renowned Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis will be guest of honour at the 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney this October.

Canberra’s Hellenic Youth Club brings back Bouzouki Night 2025

The Hellenic Youth Club of Canberra (HYC) has announced the much-anticipated return of its signature Bouzouki Night.

You May Also Like

Hellenic Museum to benefit from Victorian Labor’s $2.5 million election announcement

The Hellenic Museum will benefit from Victorian Labor's announcement to deliver a $2.5 million Multicultural Museums Program if re-elected.

Greek politician condemns arrest of Istanbul mayor

The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked widespread criticism, with accusations of political oppression.

Australian heroines in Greece to be honoured at Pontoxeniteas NSW afternoon tea

Pontoxeniteas NSW are celebrating International Women's Day on Sunday, March 12 with an afternoon tea at the Pontian House in Undercliffe.