Tragedy on the Drina: Migrant Boat Capsizes with Dozens Missing

At least three migrants drowned and many are still missing after their boat capsized on the Drina river while crossing from Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Authorities have retrieved three bodies and many others remain unaccounted for. The incident highlights the dangers faced by migrants using the Balkan route.

At least three migrants drowned and many more are missing after their boat capsized early Thursday while crossing the Drina river from Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to local media reports and a senior official.

Bosnian authorities have retrieved three bodies, with potentially another dozen unaccounted for, Civilian Defense director Boris Trninic told the Srna news agency. "According to unofficial information, there were 30 people in the boat, of whom 15 reached the shore," Trninic said. Bosnian authorities have not yet commented.

Serbian officials confirmed an incident on the river but could not verify the deaths. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic stated that 25 people were on board, with only 18 making it to the Bosnian side. Thousands from the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Africa use the Balkan route yearly to reach Western countries, often with the help of smuggling networks. Such accidents are frequent.

(With inputs from agencies.)