Dramatic sinking of a wooden boat in Crete waters claims migrant lives

A wooden boat carrying migrants sank near Crete during the early hours of Saturday, resulting in a tragedy that has left at least five people dead and more than twenty missing. According to reports from the RTHK agency, the vessel capsized under extremely adverse weather conditions, with winds reaching Beaufort scale 6 and waves approximately 2.5 meters high.

Extreme Weather Conditions That Led to the Boat Tragedy

The fatal accident occurred when about 50 individuals were onboard. Survivor testimonies reveal a crucial detail: when rescue ships approached, the passengers hurriedly moved to one side of the deck seeking help, a move that proved disastrous. The sudden shift in weight destabilized the boat, causing it to lose balance and quickly capsize in the rough sea.

The fragile combination of factors—a deteriorated wooden vessel, rough seas with sizable waves, and migrant panic during contact with rescue forces—created a highly vulnerable scenario where the boat could not withstand.

Ongoing International Search Operation

A cargo ship flying the Panamanian flag managed to rescue twenty people who remained afloat. Simultaneously, the Greek Coast Guard and specialized vessels from the European Maritime Safety Agency launched intensive operations in the area. So far, authorities have recovered several bodies, but search efforts continue actively to locate the missing.

Relevant agencies fear that the final death toll may increase as recovery operations progress. The incident once again highlights the extreme dangers migrants face during sea crossings, especially when boats do not meet safety standards or are not equipped to withstand harsh weather conditions.