Rescue Efforts Intensify After Migrant Boat Capsizes

A major rescue operation is underway off the coast of Crete, Greece, where a migrant boat capsized near Gavdos, resulting in at least five deaths and 40 people reported missing. The Greek coastguard, with assistance from Italian forces, has rescued 39 survivors and continues the search in challenging conditions. Reports indicate that the boats likely departed from Libya, with similar incidents occurring in recent weeks, highlighting a surge in dangerous crossings in the region. In separate incidents, vessels have rescued additional migrants nearby, emphasizing the perilous journey many undertake to reach Europe. Greece has witnessed a significant increase in migrant arrivals this year, particularly to Rhodes and the southeast Aegean. The ongoing migrant crisis continues to strain Greece, reminiscent of the 2015-2016 influx when nearly a million people sought refuge via the Mediterranean route.