At least 18 migrants die after boat sinks near Greek island of Crete

"At least 18 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in an inflatable boat died when it capsized south of the island of Crete, Greek authorities said Saturday. The half-sunken boat was located Saturday by a passing Turkish merchant vessel, authorities said. Two survivors were rescued and a rescue operation to find more was ongoing. Greece is a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia and fatal accidents are a common occurrence."

"The short but perilous journey from Turkey's coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies or small boats, often in poor conditions, used to be the major route until increased patrols and alleged pushbacks reduced crossing attempts. In recent months, arrivals from Libya to Crete have surged. Authorities have not yet determined where the boat came from. A ship and a plane from European border agency Frontex, a Greek Coast Guard helicopter and three merchant vessels are taking part in the search operation."

At least 18 migrants died when an inflatable boat capsized south of Crete; the half-sunken vessel was found by a Turkish merchant ship and two survivors were rescued. A rescue operation involving a Frontex ship and plane, a Greek Coast Guard helicopter and three merchant vessels was underway to search for additional people. Greece serves as a major EU entry point for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and fatal accidents at sea are common. The crossing from Turkey to Greek islands used to be the primary route, but patrols and alleged pushbacks reduced attempts; arrivals from Libya to Crete have recently surged. Authorities have not yet determined the boat’s origin.

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