Athens, February 21 (QNA) - At least three people perished, and dozens more went missing, in a boat capsizing incident off the Greek island of Crete.
The accident occurred about 15 nautical miles (almost 28 km) south of Kaloi Limenes on the southern coast of the popular tourist island, local media reported, citing sources from the Coast Guard.
The sources confirmed that 20 individuals were rescued, while dozens remain missing, clarifying that the victims were believed to be migrants attempting to reach Crete and, by extension, the European Union, coming from Libya.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service reported strong southern winds in the area, complicating rescue efforts.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), roughly 42,000 migrants reached the Greek islands by boat last year.
UNHCR figures indicate that a total of 107 people perished in the eastern Mediterranean while attempting to reach EU countries. (QNA)