Greece boat disaster leaves at least 79 dead and hundreds missing

Greece boat disaster leaves at least 79 dead and hundreds missing

A fishing boat disaster off the southern coast of Greece has resulted in at least 79 deaths, while over 100 have been rescued. 

Survivors say the boat may have been carrying as many as 750 people, including around 100 children. 

Greece has declared three days of mourning and says it is one of the country’s largest migrant tragedies. But authorities have faced criticism for their perceived lack of adequate assistance, despite claims that their offers of aid were declined.

The vessel sank approximately 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Pylos, shortly after 02:04 on Wednesday morning local time, according to the Greek coastguard.

Frontex, the EU’s border agency, reported spotting the boat on Tuesday afternoon and promptly alerted Greek and Italian authorities. The coastguard later revealed that none of the individuals on board were wearing life jackets.

Based on a timeline provided by the coastguard, initial contact with the fishing boat occurred at 14:00 (11:00 GMT), during which no request for help was made.

The Greek shipping ministry made repeated attempts to communicate with the boat and was consistently informed that its intention was to proceed to Italy. 

Around 01:40 on Wednesday, someone on the boat notified the Greek coastguard that the vessel’s engine had malfunctioned. Shortly thereafter, the boat capsized, sinking completely within a mere ten to fifteen minutes. The search and rescue operation was further complicated by strong winds.