Death toll rises in Greek disaster
According to the news in the Greek media, the fishing boat carrying irregular migrants capsized off the coast of Navarin in the Peloponnese, for an undetermined reason.
79 people lost their lives and more than 100 were rescued in the incident, which is considered the deadliest migration disaster of the year in Greece and occurred in international waters.
As rescued migrants are brought to the port of Kalamata, experts worry the death toll will rise.
Greek Coast Guard spokesman Nikolaos Aleksiu announced to the Greek Radio and Television Corporation ERT that the search and rescue efforts will continue overnight with the C-130 type aircraft of the Greek Air Force.
Stating that it is not possible to give an exact number of how many people were on the boat at this time, Aleksiu said the boat was determined to be overloaded.
After pointing out that there were many women and children in the hold of the boat, according to the testimonies of the rescued migrants, Aleksiu emphasized that the event occurred in one of the deepest points in the Mediterranean.
Aleksiu assessed that the boat could have sunk because the people on it were gathered in one place.
Noting that 26 people have been treated for minor injuries and hypothermia at Kalamata hospital so far, Aleksiu said 78 people will be transferred to Malakasa camp tomorrow.
Greek Coast Guard units announced that the rescued migrants were not wearing safety equipment such as life jackets.
According to the non-governmental organization Alarm Phone, there are about 700 people on the ship, which is attempting to sail from the Tobruk region of eastern Libya to Italy.
ERT stated that most of the people on the boat were men in their 20s and reported that the irregular migrants were Syrian, Palestinian, Afghan and Pakistani nationals.
REACTION TO PRESIDENT SAKELAROPULU
Greek President Katerina Sakelaropulu also faced backlash from a group of protesters in the port of Kalamata, where she went to support rescued migrants.
There was a brief discussion between the protesters and Sakelaropulu, who argued that it was “absurd and incoherent” for Sakelaropulu to support the extension of the steel fence erected on the Turkey-Greece border on the one hand, and come to Kalamata on the other to support rescued migrants.
Former Greek Prime Minister Kiryakos Mitsotakis, on his social media account, said: “The tragic event that took place today in the international waters of the Mediterranean, southwest of the Peloponnese, shocked us all. It saddens me that so many innocent lives have been lost. And already, all the power of New Democracy is at the disposal of the interim government”.
Stating that the priority is saving lives, Miçotakis emphasized that the issue of migration remains a problem that requires a European policy.
Aleksis Tsipras, leader of the Radical Left Alliance (SYRIZA) on his social media account, said: “Right now, humanity must be at the forefront and we must support the survivors.” he shared his message.
Kalamata Mayor Thanasis Vasilopulos, speaking to the Greek state agency AMNA, stated that an open-air hospital has been established in the port of Kalamata, noting that the treatment of migrants is carried out here.
Emphasizing that hospitals in the region were also on alert, Vasilopoulos said that many ambulances had been brought to the region from the capital Athens.
Vasilopulos stated that temporary shelters for migrants were created in the former warehouses of the port of Kalamata, saying: “Special areas have been determined for the preparation and distribution of food to migrants. Water is supplied, toilets, showers and tents are set up.” saying.
THE MIGRANTS WILL BE TAKEN TO THE MALAKASA CAMP
In the statement made by the Greek Ministry of Immigration and Asylum, it was stated that ministry officials also went to the port of Kalamata.
In the statement, it was noted that after completing the procedures at the port, the migrants will be taken to the Malakasa camp near Athens.
On the other hand, 80 irregular immigrants were rescued this morning off the island of Crete.
“We urge EU leaders to prioritize the protection of human life”
“We urge EU leaders to prioritize the protection of human life,” Doctors Without Borders wrote on their social media account. shared.
In the post, it was claimed that EU leaders continued to develop deadly policies for immigrants in the context of the event.
According to United Nations (UN) data, approximately 72,000 refugees and migrants arrived this year in Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta and southern Cyprus, with most of them landing in Italy.
STATEMENT BY THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL, GUTERRES
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres was reportedly shocked by the news that the fishing boat carrying irregular migrants capsized off the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric made a statement on the issue at the daily press conference.
Stating that the incident in question caused the loss of many lives, including women, men and children, Dujarric said: “The General Secretary was shocked by the news that the immigrant ship sank. He emphasizes that everyone seeking a better life needs dignity and security. This is yet another example of the need for all member states to come together to create orderly and safe roads and take comprehensive measures to save lives.” he used the phrase.
Dujarric stressed that it is imperative that the countries the refugees are coming from and those they are trying to reach work together, adding that strong leadership and political courage and determination are needed. (AA)