UN Reports Nearly 500 Missing in Greece Boat Disaster – Latest Global Update
“Tragedy Strikes as Irregular Migrants Lose Their Lives off the Peloponnese Peninsula, Urgent Investigation Demanded”
A devastating incident unfolded off the coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula, leaving behind a “terrible tragedy,” as stated by Volker Türk. Türk, extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the 78 irregular migrants who perished, emphasized the staggering number of almost 500 individuals, including women and children, reported missing. He stressed the necessity of standing in solidarity with survivors and grieving families.
Highlighting the paramount importance of cracking down on smugglers and human trafficking, Türk called for a thorough investigation into their activities, emphasizing the urgency of bringing them to justice. Additionally, he appealed to countries to open more regular migration channels and take responsibility by sharing the burden. Türk also reiterated his proposal for independent monitoring and auditing of immigration policies and practices.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has addressed the serious allegations of negligence surrounding the tragic boat accident. Matthew Saltmars, spokesperson for the UNHCR, stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to shed light on the incident. Although concerns have been raised about the alleged negligence of Greek authorities and claims that the Greek Coast Guard attempted to push the boat into Italian territorial waters, Saltmars emphasized the importance of waiting for verified information before drawing conclusions.
Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, echoed the calls for a thorough investigation during a press conference. He stressed the importance of finding answers to the tragedy and emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment of the events that unfolded.
The devastating boat disaster occurred on June 14, approximately 47 nautical miles from Navarino in the Peloponnese, within international waters. Out of the approximately 700 individuals on board, 78 lost their lives, while 104 were fortunate enough to be rescued and brought to Kalamata Port. The Greek Coast Guard reported that the rescued migrants included 47 Syrians, 43 Egyptians, 12 Pakistanis, and 2 Palestinians. However, rescue efforts continue, and experts fear that the death toll will continue to climb.
As the search and rescue operations persist, the urgent need for a thorough investigation into this tragic incident cannot be emphasized enough. Only through this investigation can we hope to uncover the truth and find answers to the questions surrounding this distressing event. It is crucial that justice is served, and appropriate measures are taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
