Up to 500 People Missing in Tragic Migrant Boat Sinking off Greece

Up to 500 People Missing in Tragic Migrant Boat Sinking off Greece

The UN human rights office reports that up to 500 people are still missing after a migrant boat sank off the coast of Greece, leaving 78 people dead. The incident highlights the urgent need to bring people smugglers to justice and emphasizes the humanitarian imperative of search and rescue operations at sea.

The role of the coastguard has come under scrutiny, with conflicting reports emerging about their interaction with the boat before it sank. Greek officials have denied reports suggesting that a rope attached by the coastguards caused the boat to sink, while survivors have described the crowded boat veering from side to side.

How can we improve the safety and protection of migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings?