Twenty-two migrants die off Greek coast after six days at sea

Twenty-two migrants died off the Greek coast after spending six days at sea in a dinghy headed for Europe. The boat departed from Tobruk, Libya, on March 21st. A European border agency vessel rescued twenty-six survivors, including a woman and a child, near Crete on Friday. Poor weather and lack of supplies contributed to the deaths. Greek authorities arrested two men from South Sudan on suspicion of people trafficking. The survivors were primarily from Bangladesh, South Sudan, and Chad. At least 41,696 migrants arrived in Greece by sea in 2025, with over 4,000 arriving so far this year, highlighting the perilous nature of these crossings.

At least 22 migrants died after six days at sea in a rubber boat traveling from Tobruk, Libya, to Greece. Survivors reported to the Greek coastguard that the deceased were thrown overboard on the orders of smugglers after the boat lost its bearings and ran out of food and water. The Greek coastguard rescued 26 people and arrested two South Sudanese men, aged 19 and 22, believed to be the smugglers. The incident highlights the dangers of the Mediterranean crossing, a common route for migrants seeking asylum in Europe. According to the UNHCR, over 16,770 asylum seekers arrived in Crete in 2025, and at least 107 have died or gone missing in Greek waters during that time.

At least 22 people died after a boat carrying migrants from Tobruk, Libya to Greece was adrift at sea for six days due to navigational errors. The passengers ran out of food and water, and those who died were allegedly thrown overboard on the orders of smugglers. Greek authorities arrested two Sudanese men, aged 19 and 21, suspected of being the smugglers responsible for the tragedy. Survivors reported that the boat left Libya on March 21st, aiming for Greece as a gateway to the EU. The suspects face charges of involuntary manslaughter and facilitating illegal entry into Greece. The boat was found 53 nautical miles south of Ierapetra, Crete.