Tragedy Strikes: Four Migrants Found Dead as Boat Sinks Off Samos

At least four migrants tragically lost their lives when their boat sank off the Greek island of Samos on Monday, according to the Greek Coast Guard. Initial reports indicated that approximately 30 migrants were on board the vessel that capsized near the rocky shores of Agios Isidoros, situated in the northwestern region of the Aegean island.

The deceased were identified as all being women, a coast guard official confirmed. Rescue efforts have successfully saved five individuals thus far, including a pregnant woman and a minor, both of whom were promptly transported to a hospital for medical evaluations. Additionally, coast guard officials reported that around 25 migrants have been located on shore; however, it remains unclear if they were part of the ill-fated boat.

The coast guard's search-and-rescue operation was initiated after a local resident alerted authorities upon witnessing migrants on the shore. Involved in the operation were four vessels and a naval helicopter, although strong winds in the area complicated the rescue efforts, as noted by a coast guard representative.

In light of the ongoing situation, Greek authorities expanded their search across the island to ascertain if some of the individuals reported missing had already made it to safety on shore.

Greece has long served as a prominent entry point into the European Union for countless migrants and refugees, primarily from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The peak influx occurred in 2015-2016, when nearly one million people arrived on the islands, mainly using inflatable dinghies. While the flow of migrants saw a decline in subsequent years, it experienced a resurgence last year, raising continued concerns over the ongoing migrant crisis in the region.

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