Athens - Two children, four women and a
man drowned when a boat carrying them overturned off the Greek
island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the coast guard said, the deadliest
incident this year involving migrants trying to reach Greece.
Another 57 people were rescued in the operation northeast of
the port of Lesbos, the coast guard added.
It did not provide further details on the incident or the
nationality of the victims.
Greece became one of the main gateways for refugees flowing
into Europe in recent years, many of them fleeing conflict in
countries like Syria and Afghanistan, in the continent's worst
migration crisis since World War Two.
The influx of migrants was drastically curtailed by a 2016
accord between Turkey and the EU, after hundreds died crossing
to Greek islands a few miles off the Turkish shore. Many
migrants still attempt the short but perilous trip.
"This tragedy is a painful reminder that people continue to
take perilous journeys to reach the Greek Aegean islands," said
Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Representative in Greece.
"Redoubled efforts are needed to ensure safe and legal ways
to reach Europe, so people stop risking their lives in the hands
of ruthless traffickers and smugglers."
Nearly 10,700 refugees and migrants have reached Greece so
far this year by sea, and 39 people have lost their lives while
attempting the journey, the UNHCR said.