ATHENS: At least 21 Bangladeshi migrants were rescued off the coast of Greece after a deadly six-day journey across the Mediterranean, during which 22 people died, survivors told Greek authorities.
The Greek coast guard said a total of 26 people—including a woman and a minor—were picked up late Friday by a European border agency vessel south of the island of Crete.
Among the survivors were 21 Bangladeshis, four South Sudanese nationals and one Chadian citizen.
Thrown into the sea
Survivors said those who died during the voyage were thrown into the sea on the orders of a smuggler onboard.
Two of the rescued migrants were taken to hospital in Heraklion, Crete, the coast guard said.
Based on survivor accounts, the boat had departed from Tobruk, a port city in eastern Libya, on March 21, heading for Greece—a key entry point for migrants seeking asylum in the European Union.
“During the journey, the passengers lost their bearings and remained at sea for six days without food or water,” the coast guard said.
Deaths from exhaustion
Authorities added that the combination of harsh weather and lack of supplies led to deaths from exhaustion.
Greek officials have arrested two South Sudanese men, aged 19 and 22, suspected of being involved in smuggling.
They are under investigation for illegal entry and negligent homicide.
The vessel was located about 53 nautical miles south of Ierapetra, on southern Crete.
The incident comes amid a sharp rise in migrant deaths in the Mediterranean.
According to the International Organization for Migration, 559 people died on the route in January and February this year, compared to 287 during the same period last year.
The European Union has called for intensified cooperation with countries along migration routes and stronger action against human smugglers, while recently approving stricter migration measures that have drawn criticism from rights groups.
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