Twelve people die after migrant boat sinks off Greek island of Paxos

·

Twelve migrants have been found dead in the Ionian Sea and 21 others have been rescued after their boat took in water and sank.

The deaths and sea rescues happened south-west of the Greek island of Paxos, a coastguard spokesperson said on Saturday. “The initial report is that 50 people were in the boat,” he said.

The coastguard said someone from the boat had called the 112 emergency number at 9.15am on Saturday. At least four merchant ships, six coastguard ships and a helicopter are searching for survivors amid calm seas.

The tragedy happened hours before a second boat sank in the region. Eleven migrants, including eight children, died after their boat capsized off Turkey’s western coast, state-owned Anadolu agency said.

Eight others were rescued from the sea near the town of Çeşme, on the Aegean coast, it said.

In separate incidents that illustrated other routes and methods used by Europe-bound migrants, authorities in North Macedonia said that 62 migrants were discovered hidden inside freight trains at the border with Greece.

Border control teams that included officers from North Macedonia, Austria and the Czech Republic found 42 migrants during a routine inspection of a freight train in the town of Gevgelija on Friday. Thirty-eight of the migrants were from Morocco, police said.

Later Friday, another multinational team of officers discovered 20 migrants o from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco and Algeria, in another freight train at the Gevgelija station.

All 62 migrants, including five minors, were taken to a detention centre pending deportation to Greece.

Sourced via The Guardian.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

What will it take to save Greek language in Australia?

Italian Greeks first proposed the creation of International Greek Language Day on February 9to celebrate the rich history of the Greek language.

Biracial families keeping Greek culture and language alive for the next generation

One recurring question when discussing Australia’s Hellenic community is how the next generation will be affected. Will they hold onto the language?

Professor Giorgos Babiniotis: ‘The Greek language is not a tool; it is a value system’

International Greek Language Day, celebrated annually on February 9, pays homage to the influence of the Greek language on human civilisation.

An ode to the Greek language by a teacher’s daughter

My mother, the teacher, always reminded me when we left Istanbul, where I was born, to come to Australia, for the sake of our language.

Niki Louca shares her favourite recipe for Lime Pistachio Cake

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for lime pistachio cake with The Greek Herald. 

You May Also Like

Controversy erupts over Victorian Minister’s attendance at Turkish event

A letter to Jacinta Allan has brought to light concerns over Minister Natalie Suleyman's attendance of a Turkish Consulate event.

Lord and Master: Archbishop Makarios and the Greek communities of Australia

An opinion piece with the title: Lord and Master: Archbishop Makarios and the Greek communities of Australia.

Pedia Greek School in Victoria teaches young kids Greek Easter traditions

Koulourakia, red eggs, and lambathes were the centre of attention last Saturday at Victoria's Pedia Greek School.