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Greece boat disaster: Officials deny coastguard rope led to migrant tragedy

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Greek officials have denied reports suggesting that a migrant boat capsized off the south coast due to a rope attached by coastguards. Although 78 people have been confirmed dead, including possibly 100 children, the government spokesman clarified that a rope was used by the coastguard to approach the fishing boat a few hours before it sank.

However, there was no attempt to tow or tether the boat for an extended period. The coastguard’s timeline and account have been challenged by an organization that was in contact with people on the fishing boat, claiming that they urgently requested help.

The Greek government denies using a mooring rope, as reported by a Greek newspaper, and maintains that no request for assistance was made by the crew. Survivors and witnesses have given conflicting accounts, with some suggesting that a rope may have caused the boat to capsize. The coastguard spokesperson reiterated that there was no intention to moor the boat.

Nine people have been arrested on suspicion of people trafficking. The tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of migration through Greece, a key entry point to the European Union for refugees and migrants from various regions.

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Tragic Greece Boat Disaster Claims 78 Lives with Hundreds Missing

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A fishing boat incident off the coast of southern Greece has claimed the lives of at least 78 individuals, while over 100 people have been rescued. Survivors’ accounts suggest that the boat may have been overcrowded, with reports indicating that as many as 750 people, including 100 children, were crammed onboard.

Greek authorities have declared it one of the largest migrant tragedies in the country’s history and have declared three days of mourning. Although authorities claim their offers of assistance were declined, they are facing criticism for not doing enough to aid the distressed individuals.

The boat sank in the early hours of Wednesday, approximately 80km (50 miles) southwest of Pylos. Frontex, the EU’s border agency, had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon and promptly alerted Greek and Italian authorities. Notably, it has been reported that no life jackets were being worn by those onboard. The timeline provided by the Greek coastguard reveals that initial contact was made at 14:00 on Tuesday, but no distress signal was issued.

The Greek shipping ministry made repeated attempts to communicate with the boat, which stated its intention to sail to Italy. A Maltese-flagged ship provided food and water around 18:00, followed by another vessel supplying water three hours later. Shortly before 02:00 on Wednesday, the boat reported an engine malfunction, and shortly thereafter, it capsized, sinking within 10 to 15 minutes. Strong winds complicated the subsequent search and rescue operation. The boat is believed to have been en route from Libya to Italy, primarily carrying men in their 20s.

Survivors, who were treated for hypothermia and minor injuries, estimated that there were between 500 and 750 people onboard. Regional health director Yiannis Karvelis described the situation as an unprecedented tragedy due to the boat’s excessive overcrowding. One survivor informed a doctor that there were approximately 100 children in the hold. The nationality of the victims has not been disclosed. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed condolences for the lives lost during her visit to rescued survivors.

Each year, numerous individuals lose their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean, highlighting the dangers of irregular migration. Greece has emphasized the need for a comprehensive EU migration policy to ensure assistance and protection for those truly in need, rather than leaving the fate of vulnerable individuals in the hands of smugglers.

As a primary entry point for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Greece has faced significant challenges in managing migration flows. In recent times, the Greek government faced criticism for allegedly forcibly expelling migrants at sea. According to UN data, over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe’s frontline countries this year, with Italy receiving the majority.

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Dozens killed as migrant boat capsizes off Greece

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A tragic incident occurred off the southern coast of Greece, resulting in the deaths of at least 59 migrants, while over 100 individuals were rescued after their fishing vessel capsized. This shipwreck marks the deadliest incident of its kind in Greece this year.

The exact number of people on board remains uncertain, but Greek officials and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) suggest that hundreds may have been aboard the vessel. The Greek coastguard spotted the boat in international waters with the help of an aircraft from the EU border agency Frontex. Despite the coastguard’s attempts to provide assistance, the passengers declined help, and none were wearing life jackets.

Shortly afterward, the boat capsized and sank, leading to a search and rescue operation hampered by strong winds. The majority of those on board were reportedly men in their twenties, and the boat was allegedly en route from Libya to Italy. The nationalities of the victims have not been disclosed yet. Survivors have been transported to Kalamata for medical treatment.

Greece serves as a primary entry point into the European Union for refugees and migrants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This incident follows international criticism directed at the Greek government for alleged videos showing the forceful expulsion of migrants left adrift at sea. According to UN data, over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe’s frontline countries this year, with the majority reaching Italy.

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Channel migrants tragedy: Five French soldiers accused of failing to help

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Five soldiers in France have been charged in connection with the deaths of 27 people who drowned while attempting to cross the English Channel on November 24, 2021. The soldiers, along with four others, were detained for questioning and are accused of failing to assist the distressed boat. Reports indicate that the boat made 15 distress calls that went unanswered. The victims were predominantly Iraqi Kurds, ranging in age from seven to 46.

The news of the charges has been welcomed by Utopia 56, an organization representing migrants. A spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the progress in the criminal investigation. The tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of all but two individuals on board, occurred shortly after the boat departed from the French coast.

Le Monde newspaper previously reported that the passengers had contacted French officials, informing them of their deflating boat and failed engine. They also sent their location via WhatsApp, but no response was received. Rescue teams eventually responded after ten hours when fishermen alerted them.

The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the incident as the largest single loss of life in the English Channel since it began collecting data in 2014. Following the tragedy, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his dismay and pledged to take action against human trafficking networks.

In November 2022, a 32-year-old man appeared in a London court in connection with the incident, accused of being part of a group involved in transporting the migrants. Additionally, last June, French police arrested 15 individuals, mostly from Afghanistan, suspected of being part of a smuggling ring related to the deadly incident.

In response to the increasing number of migrants crossing the English Channel via small boats, the UK government has committed to addressing the issue.

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Pope Francis urges Hungarians to ‘open doors’ to migrants

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Pope Francis has called on Hungary and its leaders to open their doors to migrants during his visit to the country. Speaking at an open-air mass in Budapest, he expressed his disappointment that doors were being closed to those who were different.

Despite Hungary’s anti-immigration stance, up to 100,000 people, including Prime Minister Viktor Orban, attended the mass. Pope Francis urged everyone, especially those with political and social responsibilities, to be more open towards migrants and the poor. During the mass, he also prayed for peace between Ukraine and Russia, who are currently at war.

On his flight back home, Pope Francis disclosed that the Vatican was involved in a peace mission to put an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia, though he did not reveal the details of the mission yet. He also expressed his willingness to assist in the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia since the invasion.

During his three-day visit to Hungary, Pope Francis discussed the conflict in Ukraine with Prime Minister Viktor Orban and a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Pope’s visit to Hungary was his first since he became Pope 10 years ago, and it was driven by his support for Catholics and concern over the war in Ukraine.

Hungary shares a border with Ukraine, and Prime Minister Orban has maintained relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, refusing to support military aid for Ukraine unlike other leaders of the European Union. During his visit, the Pope met with people from all walks of life, including youths, the poor, politicians, and academics.

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Italy declares state of emergency to address influx of migrant boats

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The Italian government has declared a six-month state of emergency in response to an increase in the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa. The move will release €5m in funds and comes as 3,000 migrants arrived in just three days, with many landing on the Italian island of Lampedusa.

Since Friday, the coastguard has rescued around 2,000 people, but 400 people on a fishing boat are still awaiting assistance. Despite attempts by Italy’s right-wing coalition government to tackle irregular migration, migrant arrivals have surged compared to the same period last year.

Over the weekend, at least four people died and 20 more were missing after two migrant boats sank off Tunisia. German aid group ResQship rescued 22 survivors and took them to Lampedusa.

Tunisia has recently become the largest departure point for migrant boats, leading to a series of incidents off the coast, including a disaster on Saturday in which at least four people died. Lampedusa, an Italian island, is located 185km away from the Tunisian port of Sfax. Sea and Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci has reported a 300% increase in migrant flows, calling it an “absolute emergency” that puts Italy’s infrastructure at risk.

However, the minister stressed that the state of emergency alone would not solve the problem and that responsible intervention by the European Union was required.

The extra funding released by the Italian government will reportedly allow officials to speed up reception procedures and the repatriation of those who are not allowed to remain in Italy. It is unclear how the measure will address the rising numbers of migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

The Italian coastguard is escorting two boats in the Ionian Sea off Sicily, with one boat carrying around 400 people believed to have set out from Tobruk in Libya. The rescue mission is being hampered by difficult sea conditions, and an unofficial hotline for migrants called Alarm Phone reported that the boat was experiencing medical emergencies, water filling the vessel, and no fuel left.

The situation was described as dramatic. A second boat carrying around 800 people is also under coastguard escort, with no information about where it set out from. The boat was found adrift in Maltese waters, and an urgent alarm was raised with the authorities of Italy, Greece, and Malta.

German non-governmental organisation Sea-Watch International reported that two merchant vessels near the boat had been ordered not to help with rescue efforts by Malta while the boat was in Maltese waters.

According to monitoring group IOM Missing Migrants Project, over 26,000 people have died or gone missing at sea in the Central Mediterranean since 2014. The Armed Forces of Malta stated that “no rescue was requested by the people on board”.

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Europe migrant crisis: Dozens missing off Tunisian coast

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On March 24th, 2023, a migrant boat carrying dozens of people, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, went missing off the Tunisian coast. The boat is believed to have been headed towards Italy, where many migrants attempt to seek asylum and a better life.

According to local reports, the boat had set off from the Tunisian city of Sfax, carrying around 50 to 60 people. However, it ran into trouble and is suspected to have sunk in the Mediterranean Sea. The Tunisian navy has launched a search and rescue operation, but so far, no survivors have been found.

The incident is just the latest in a series of tragic events involving migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life in Europe. Many of these migrants come from countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where they face poverty, conflict, and persecution. They risk their lives by taking dangerous journeys across the sea, often in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.

The European Union has faced criticism for its response to the migrant crisis, with many arguing that it has not done enough to provide safe and legal routes for migrants to enter Europe. Instead, many are forced to take perilous journeys, risking their lives in the process.

The issue of migration has become a highly politicized one in Europe, with many countries taking a hardline stance against allowing migrants in. This has led to tensions between EU member states and has complicated efforts to address the issue.

As the search for survivors continues, the latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of a better life. It also highlights the urgent need for the EU and its member states to find a humane and effective way to address the issue of migration.

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Italy migrant boat shipwreck: More than 100 people feared dead

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More than 100 passengers, possibly including children, are thought to have perished after their boat capsized in choppy waters off southern Italy. There have been at least 62 verified deaths among migrants, with 12 children, including a baby, reportedly among the dead.

On Sunday, the ship, which is believed to have been carrying 200 people, broke apart as it attempted to touch down close to Crotone. There were reportedly passengers from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

At a nearby seaside resort in the Calabria region, bodies were found on the beach. Many more are still missing, according to the coast guard, who said that 80 individuals had been rescued alive, “including some who managed to reach the land after the sinking.”

According to customs police, one survivor was detained on suspicion of trafficking in migrants. Many of the passengers were reportedly from Pakistan. More than a dozen Pakistanis are thought to have been among the deceased, according to Shehbaz Sharif, the country’s prime minister, on Monday.

A number of the survivors of the horrific disaster are still dealing with the death of their loved ones as help and relocation efforts go on. Some of them were sobbing silently inside a makeshift reception facility in the town of Isola di Capo Rizzuto, while others were simply covered in blankets and gazing into space.

Secretary General António Guterres called on nations to do more to assist refugees and migrants, as well as for safer transit routes and strengthened rescue operations, in a Monday morning address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, who was elected last year in part on a promise to stop the flow of immigrants into her country, expressed “great grief” and accused human traffickers for the deaths on Sunday.

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Germany to ease entry rules for skilled workers

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In order to draw qualified individuals to its labour market, the German government has agreed to loosen its immigration regulations. The cabinet wants a points system a la Canada to hire people who speak German or possess the necessary qualifications.

Europe’s largest economy, Germany, requires an additional 400,000 foreign workers annually, according to analysts. According to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the changes will result in “the most modern immigration law in Europe.”

Conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz criticised the measures, claiming that Germany was underutilizing its potential and had more than two million unemployed people.

He claimed that while it already benefited from the EU’s commitment to freedom of movement, individuals did not want to relocate there because “the paperwork is horrendous, the taxes are too expensive.” The workforce in Germany is getting older and there are shortages in the IT, healthcare, and construction industries. Hubertus Heil, the minister of labour, estimated that by 2035, seven million skilled workers will be required.

According to Rainer Dulger of the BDA employers’ confederation, “We need people who will help us to retain our success in this country.” The three-party coalition in power seeks to enact a “opportunity card,” based on a points system, which would be used to evaluate non-EU candidates by taking into account things like education and linguistic proficiency.

The process for recognising foreign qualifications would be simplified and unskilled workers would also be allowed in to fill certain sectors.

The suggestions may not be presented to the Bundestag, the German parliament, for several months, but Robert Habeck, the minister of economics, said there is now a pressing need to address the issue: “We have been aware of the impending demographic issue for years, but not enough has been done.”

The proposed immigration reforms follow closely on the heels of ideas to speed up the citizenship process for immigrants living in Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that certain persons might be allowed to become citizens after only three years as opposed to up to eight.

The proposed law would further shorten the five-year waiting period for applicants who can demonstrate integration and German language proficiency.

Additionally, the government intends to amend the constitution to permit dual citizenship, which is currently virtually prohibited in Germany.

This week, Mr. Scholz claimed that immigrants “are bringing Germany ahead” and that Germany had transformed into “a land of hope” for those seeking to start new lives.

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Italy allows migrant boat to dock but many remain stranded

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After spending a week at sea, migrants from one of four rescue boats that Italy had barred from docking have been let to disembark, according to the charity that runs the vessel. On the Rise Above, 89 persons in total were permitted to set foot on land.

However, although Rome promises to stop irregular migrants from crossing the Mediterranean, individuals are still on three additional rescue boats. Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, has stated that she wants to prohibit human traffickers from “deciding who enters Italy.” Her right-wing administration has come under fire for refusing the rescue boats safe harbour.

But Chiara Cardoletti, the UN refugee commissioner’s representative in Italy, said that Italy had been on the front line of the migrant crisis for too long and she called on the European Union to find a common strategy.

“We appreciate what Italy has done by allowing boats to enter territorial waters, allowing children, women and people with medical problems to disembark,” she told the BBC. “Italy cannot be left alone, the European Union must step forward and find appropriate and faster solutions.”

On Monday, three people leapt into the water from the Geo Barents after being refused permission to disembark in the Sicilian port of Catania. They were among about 250 migrants told to remain on two boats in Catania after officials deemed them “healthy”.

The Rise Above is operated by the German nonprofit Mission Lifeline, which released a statement in which it expressed its “relief that the rescued persons are finally safe on land” at Reggio Calabria, on the Italian mainland, a short distance from Sicily. 89 people disembarked, with several of them being characterised as minors.

Authorities claimed to the Italian media that they were let to go because, in contrast to the two boats parked in Sicily, they had been picked up in a’save and rescue’ (SAR) incident in the Mediterranean.

The nonprofit organisation denounced the “undignified political game” that had left them adrift. Italian reports claim that the Rise Above’s crew has not yet been able to disembark.

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