Tragedy at Sea: Migrant Boat Sinks Off Greek Island

Three migrants died and many more are missing after their boat sank near the Greek island of Samos. The Greek coastguard reported rescuing five individuals, including a pregnant woman and a minor. The search-and-rescue operation, hindered by strong winds, continues for the remaining missing migrants.

Three migrants lost their lives, and numerous others are feared missing after a boat sank off the Greek island of Samos, the Greek coastguard reported on Monday.

Initially, 30 migrants were believed to be onboard the vessel before it foundered off the rocky shores of Agios Isidoros, officials stated. The deceased, three women, were recovered by the coastguard. Rescue efforts have successfully saved five migrants, among them a pregnant woman and a minor, who have been transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.

A search-and-rescue operation involving four vessels and a naval helicopter commenced early in the morning after reports from a local resident. Strong winds significantly hampered the efforts, a coastguard official noted.

Authorities are also combing the island's shores, suspecting some of the missing migrants might have made it to the shore. Greece has historically been a primary entry point to the European Union for migrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, especially during the 2015-2016 migration crisis. The flow had diminished but saw a resurgence last year.

(With inputs from agencies.)