Migrant tragedy as boat capsizes off Western Greece

Migrant tragedy as boat capsizes off Western Greece

Lifejackets worn by migrants during dangerous crossing in the Mediterranean (AFP)

At least twelve migrants died off the coast of Western Greece on Saturday morning when their boat capsized in still vague circumstances.

By John Carr

The migrants' boat was believed to be carrying more than fifty people when it sank, apparently heading for Italy.  The Greek Coast Guard rescued some, but others are unaccounted for, so the death toll is almost sure to rise.

It remains a mystery what caused the boat to sink, as the sea in the area was reported to be calm and the weather generally favourable.  The incident occurred southwest of the small Paxi islands.  Where the boat was coming from is also not yet known.

At the same time, local authorities on the East Greek islands are up in arms against the Greek government’s plans to set up large roofed camps for the thousands of migrants that have flooded the larger islands and are living pretty much exposed to the elements.  They argue that larger and more comfortable living spaces will only encourage more migrants to cross from Turkey – with the total in Greece now past 80,000.

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