According to recent reports, an overloaded boat capsized and sank, leading to the recovery of the bodies of at least 79 men, women, and children. Tragically, there are fears that hundreds more may have perished or remain missing. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that approximately 400 individuals were onboard the ill-fated vessel. So far, 104 survivors have been safely brought ashore.

During a briefing in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric shared that UN Chief António Guterres had previously emphasized the importance of upholding the dignity and safety of individuals seeking a better life. In light of this latest tragedy, Guterres called upon member states to unite and establish orderly and secure pathways for forced migrants. He stressed the need for comprehensive measures to save lives at sea and reduce the risks associated with perilous journeys.

This heartbreaking incident follows recent data released by the IOM, revealing that nearly 3,800 people lost their lives along migration routes within and from the Middle East and North Africa in the previous year. These figures mark the highest death toll since 2017, when 4,255 fatalities were recorded. Tragically, the central Mediterranean region alone witnessed the death of 441 migrants in the first quarter of this year. Disturbingly, over the past decade, a staggering 26,000 individuals have either died or gone missing across all migration routes.

Expressing his deep sadness and frustration, the head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, took to Twitter to mourn the victims and call for collective action. He stressed the urgent need for governments to increase safe pathways for those forced to flee and collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to address these migratory flows.

The UNHCR office in Greece underscored the avoidable nature of Wednesday's tragedy, emphasizing the pressing need for more safe pathways for individuals compelled to leave their homes. They stressed that no one should be left with life-threatening choices in their quest for safety.

According to Greek media reports, the ill-fated boat, which departed from the Libyan city of Tobruk, was en route to Italy before the tragedy occurred. This shipwreck marks the deadliest incident off the Greek coast this year.

Survivors have reportedly been transported to the town of Kalamata in southwestern Greece and are expected to be relocated to a camp outside Athens, where they will receive care and support.

The harrowing shipwreck serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for safe pathways to prevent further loss of life among vulnerable migrants. (ILKHA)