Seven migrants, including a child, died when their boat sank off Lesbos. 23 survivors were rescued, but the search continues. Greece remains a crucial entry point for migrants, underscoring the perilous sea journey many undertake in search of safety and a new life.

At least seven migrants, including a boy, a girl, and two women, lost their lives after their boat sank off the Greek island of Lesbos early on Thursday, Greece’s coastguard confirmed.

The vessel was spotted by a patrolling coastguard ship at around 2 a.m. (2300 GMT), north of Lesbos. So far, 23 survivors have been rescued, but search and rescue operations remain ongoing. The total number of people aboard the boat is still unknown.

Greece has long been a key entry point into Europe for migrants and refugees fleeing conflict and hardship in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In 2015, nearly one million migrants reached Greek shores, and last year, approximately 54,000 arrived—making Greece the second-largest entry point in southern Europe after Italy, according to UNHCR data.

The tragedy highlights the dangers migrants face while making perilous sea crossings in search of a better life. With the Mediterranean continuing to be a deadly route, humanitarian organisations and governments are calling for urgent measures to improve search and rescue operations and address the ongoing migration crisis.

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