UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) express their deep sadness over the recent shipwrecks off Lesvos and Kythera, which have claimed the lives of at least 18 people, while several may be missing.
Regarding the tragic incident that took place off Lesvos, the Greek Coast Guard rescued 10 women, while the bodies of 16 women, a minor boy and a man have been recovered. Another 18 people from the same shipwreck were found this afternoon ashore on the island of Lesvos by teams from UNHCR and Médecins Sans Frontières, in coordination with the Greek authorities.
Since the second shipwreck in Kythera last night, 80 people have been rescued, while their boat is reported to have been carrying 95 passengers. Their nationalities have not yet been confirmed.
The weather conditions in both incidents were difficult, with strong winds and rough seas. IOM and UNHCR express their gratitude and appreciation to all those who participated in the rescue operations amidst adverse conditions, as well as to the residents of Kythera who generously offered food, clothing and essentials to the rescued people.
«These tragedies are a poignant reminder that more needs to be done to ensure that those fleeing persecution and war are not forced to entrust their lives to unscrupulous traffickers. International and regional cooperation is needed to ensure people's access to asylum and safe routes,» said Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR Representative in Greece.
UNHCR and IOM are in contact with the Greek authorities and remain at their disposal to provide further support.
«Today we have witnessed two more tragedies in the Mediterranean. People desperate for safety and a better life, risking everything on deadly journeys,» said Gianluca Rocco, Head of IOM Greece. «This situation highlights the need to intensify international cooperation to save lives and improve the pathways for safe and legal migration,» he added.
So far in 2022, there have been 7,000 arrivals by sea in Greece. The main nationalities of the new arrivals include Palestine, Afghanistan and Somalia. Since the beginning of 2022, and prior to today's tragedies, 237 people have lost their lives or gone missing while trying to cross the Eastern Mediterranean, according to the IOM's Missing Migrants Project. The total number of dead or missing in the Mediterranean Sea for the same period is 1,522.
