UN Chief in Shock after Dozens Die in Tragic Migrant Boat Accident near Greek Coast
The UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday he was horrified at the news of dozens more deaths in the Mediterranean after an overloaded boat reportedly capsized and sank off the coast of Greece.
Latest news reports said the bodies of at least 79 men, women and children had been recovered, with hundreds more potentially dead or missing. The UN migration agency (IOM) estimated that at least 400 had been on board, adding that 104 survivors had been brought to shore by the middle of the day, local time.
Briefing correspondents in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said UN chief António Guterres had stressed previously “that every person searching for a better life needs dignity and safety.
‘Comprehensive action’ needed
“This is yet another example of the need for Member States to come together and create orderly safe pathways for people forced to flee and for comprehensive action to save lives at sea and reduce perilous journeys.”
On Tuesday, IOM released figures showing nearly 3,800 people had died on migration routes within and from the Middle East and North Africa last year – the highest number since 2017, when 4,255 deaths were recorded.
The first quarter saw 441 migrants die in the central Mediterranean, and since 2014 more than 26,000 people have died or gone missing on all the routes combined.
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UN refugee agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi tweeted that he felt “only sadness and anger after another deadly tragedy at sea”.
“May the victims rest in peace. May the survivors find consolation and care. May governments cooperate to increase safe pathways and work together on collective solutions to address these flows.”
Impossible choices
The UNHCR office in Greece pointed out that Wednesday’s deaths were wholly avoidable. “We need more safe pathways for people forced to flee,” the agency tweeted. “They should not be left with impossible life-threatening choices.”
According to Greek media reports, the boat that sank off the coastal town of Pylos was on its way to Italy having set sail from the Libyan city of Tobruk.
The shipwreck is the deadliest off the Greek coast so far this year.
Survivors were reportedly taken to the southwestern Greek town of Kalamata and were expected to be moved to a camp outside Athens.
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
It’s truly heartbreaking to hear about the tragic incident in the Mediterranean. The loss of innocent lives in such a desperate search for safety is unfathomable. We must work together to ensure that there are safer and more organized pathways for those seeking refuge. My condolences go out to all the victims and their families.
I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident. It’s devastating to see so many lives lost in such a way. Our leaders must take immediate and decisive action to prevent further loss of life at sea.
It’s heart-wrenching to hear about yet another tragic migrant boat accident. The loss of so many lives is devastating. We must prioritize creating safer pathways for those seeking refuge and take comprehensive action to prevent such disasters.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the tragic deaths in the Mediterranean. The international community must come together to ensure the safety and dignity of those seeking a better life. We need comprehensive action to create safe pathways and prevent such devastating incidents.
I am utterly devastated by the news of this tragic event. It’s heart-wrenching to see so many lives lost in such a senseless way. We must do more to provide safe avenues for those in need and prevent such disasters from happening. My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Such a tragic incident. My heart breaks for the victims and their families. It’s devastating to see these continuous losses of life while attempting to seek safety. Action must be taken to prevent such disasters and ensure the safety of migrants.
How can we prevent such tragic accidents in the future? What actions are being taken to ensure the safety of migrants in perilous journeys?
Ensuring the safety of migrants requires a collective effort from all Member States. Creating orderly safe pathways and taking comprehensive actions are essential to prevent such tragic accidents in the future. It’s crucial that every person seeking a better life is provided with dignity and safety. Let’s work together to save lives at sea and reduce the risks of perilous journeys.
It is devastating to hear about yet another tragic boat accident claiming so many lives in the Mediterranean. The UN chief is right in emphasizing the importance of providing dignity and safety to those seeking a better life. Member States must take comprehensive action to establish secure pathways for refugees and prevent further loss of life at sea.
“Such devastating news! It’s heart-wrenching to hear about the lives lost in this tragic accident. We must take immediate and comprehensive action to prevent such unnecessary deaths and provide safe pathways for those seeking a better life.”
How can these tragedies keep happening? When will there be real solutions to prevent such loss of life?
Tragic events like this are heart-wrenching. It’s indeed crucial for governments to prioritize creating safe pathways for those seeking refuge and to take comprehensive actions to avoid such devastating losses in the future.
It is devastating to hear about yet another tragic incident involving migrants in the Mediterranean. The international community must come together to provide safe and dignified pathways for those seeking a better life. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.