Fri Dec 20 11:54:52 UTC 2024: ## Greek Coast Guard Rescues 18, Recovers 8 Bodies After Migrant Boat Capsizes
**Athens, Greece –** Eight migrants died and eighteen were rescued after their speedboat capsized off the Greek island of Rhodes on Friday, December 20th, 2024. Greek authorities reported that the boat was attempting to evade a coast guard patrol vessel through “dangerous maneuvers,” causing several passengers to fall into the sea. The incident occurred near Afantou Beach.
Three coast guard vessels and a helicopter participated in the rescue operation. Eight survivors were hospitalized, with one in critical condition. Authorities are investigating whether any additional passengers are missing.
This is the second fatal migrant boat incident in a week. A similar incident off the island of Crete resulted in seven deaths and numerous missing persons. Greek authorities are anticipating a surge in migrant arrivals due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Government data suggests that illegal migration to Greece could exceed 60,000 this year, with Syrians, Afghans, Egyptians, Eritreans, and Palestinians comprising the largest groups. Rhodes, a major island near Turkey, is a known route for illegal smuggling in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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