By: William Wang
The death toll has risen to 82 after a boat carrying migrants capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Greece last week.
The fishing boat capsized on June 14 about 45 miles southwest of Pylos, Greece, in the country’s southern Peloponnese peninsula. Members of Greece’s coast guard, navy, and air force were deployed to search the waters for passengers, using helicopters, navy frigates, and boats.
As of Tuesday, 82 people are reported dead, with hundreds more still unaccounted for after the shipwreck. Over 100 people have been rescued following the sinking of the ship. Greek authorities reported last week that none of the survivors were wearing life jackets when they were rescued.
Greek and United Nations authorities were first alerted about the boat, which was heading for Italy, on June 13. They then surveyed the area and repeatedly tried to call and contact the ship, but all requests for help were declined. Later in the day, a merchant ship gave the fishing boat with food and supplies. However, following attempts to help were declined by passengers, as theyrepeatedly expressed the desireto continue their journey. A coast guard patrol boat moved alongside the ship before it ultimately capsized in the early hours of June 14.
Last week, survivors were taken to the Peloponnese city of Kalamata by ship and were aided by the United Nations Refugee Agency. Some people were taken to the General Hospital of Kalamata if necessary for recovery.
Many refugees and immigrants from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa travel through or near Greece as they attempt to make it to the European Union, according to Reuters. Over 20,000 people have died or disappeared in the central Mediterranean since 2014, according to the United Nations, making it the most dangerous migrant crossing in the world.
The boat was reportedly destined for Italy, which is preferable for migrants seeking to reach Western and Northern Europe. The route from Greece goes through the often hostile Balkans, while leaving from Italy is most accessible.
The nine suspected crewmen are in custody in Greece. They are facing charges of participating in a criminal organization, manslaughter, and causing a shipwreck.