Tragedy Strikes as Migrant Boat Sinks Near Greek Island

At least four migrants died when a boat sank off the island of Samos, Greece, amidst strong winds. Five others were rescued, with the total number of occupants unknown. A local resident raised the alarm, but rescue efforts continue as Greek authorities and humanitarian organizations respond to the incident.

At least four migrants perished in the eastern Aegean Sea on Monday when their boat, arriving from Turkey, capsized near the island of Samos, Greek authorities have reported.

Rescue teams saved five individuals, although it remains unclear how many were initially on board and if others are still missing. While some migrants were later found on Samos, their connection to the incident remains uncertain.

Four women's bodies were recovered during the extensive search and rescue operation involving multiple coast guard vessels, a private boat, a helicopter, and land crews. The distress call came from a local who heard cries for help from the sea. Neither the boat's sinking cause nor survivors' and victims' identities have been confirmed.

Sonia Balleron, head of the Greece mission for Doctors Without Borders, condemned the incident as a tragic outcome of inhumane migration policies and called for legal migration routes. Greece, a key entry point to the EU for migrants from conflict-ridden regions, faces increased migration despite stringent border controls.

(With inputs from agencies.)