The our bodies of eight individuals, together with six kids, have been recovered after a migrant boat sank off the Greek island of Samos, the coastguard has mentioned.
Round 40 individuals have been rescued by authorities throughout an operation within the Aegean Sea involving plane and vessels, authorities mentioned.
Sturdy winds have been complicating rescue efforts.
An official mentioned a non-governmental organisation alerted authorities, and that it was believed about 50 individuals have been on board the vessel.
Samos is simply off the Turkish coast and has lengthy been an everyday vacation spot for migrants attempting to succeed in European soil.
Greater than 50,000 migrants have arrived in Greece by boat thus far this yr, making it the second most used European migrant route – behind solely Italy.
Migrant arrivals had been steadily declining since August 2023, however elevated once more since summer season, based on knowledge from United Nations refugee company, UNHCR.
About 160,000 migrants have arrived in Europe by sea this yr, company figures present, whereas 2,000 individuals have been lifeless or lacking.
Round 23 % of arrivals have been kids.
