March 28 (Reuters) - Twenty-two migrants have died off the coast of Greece after spending six days at sea in a rubber boat, AFP reported on Saturday, citing survivors' accounts to the Greek coast
Twenty-two migrants die off Greek coast after six days at sea
Tragedy Strikes Migrants Attempting Mediterranean Crossing
Incident Overview
March 28 (Reuters) - Twenty-two migrants have died off the coast of Greece after spending six days at sea in a rubber boat, the Greek coast guard said in a statement late on Friday.
Twenty-six people were rescued by a Frontex European border agency vessel off the island of Crete.
Details of the Rescue Operation
"During the journey, the passengers (of the rubber boat) lost their orientation and remained at sea for six days without water and food," it said.
Rescued migrants told authorities that 22 of them died while at sea and the bodies were thrown overboard on the orders of one of the traffickers, the statement said.
Background on Migration to Greece
Greece has long been a favoured gateway to Europe for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Historical Context
In 2015-16, it was at the frontline of Europe's migration crisis and nearly 1 million people landed on its islands, mainly from Turkey.
Ongoing Challenges and Response
Many are still attempting to cross the Mediterranean sea in boats and accidents are not rare.
Greece has since toughened its stance on migrants, reinforcing border controls with fences and sea patrols.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru, Aleksandar Vasovic, Louisa Gouliamaki and Rene Maltezou; Editing by Joe Bavier and Louise Heavens)
