Afghanistan Times
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AT Kabul– A devastating incident unfolded off the coast of Greece’s Rhodes island on Friday, where eight Afghan migrants tragically lost their lives after the speedboat they were aboard capsized. The boat, carrying 18 Afghan nationals, was reportedly attempting to evade a Greek coast guard patrol when the disaster occurred.
The victims, all Afghan citizens—including 12 men, three women, and three minors—were among a group of 18 people rescued by Greek authorities. However, eight died in the incident, while the remaining survivors were taken to the hospital, with one in critical condition.
This tragedy marks the second deadly migrant-related incident in the region in just one week. Earlier, a similar disaster south of Crete claimed the lives of seven migrants, with many others still missing. Both incidents highlight the perilous conditions faced by Afghan migrants and others seeking to flee conflict, poverty, and instability in their home countries.
Afghan authorities and humanitarian organizations have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. The incidents bring renewed attention to the growing number of Afghan nationals attempting to migrate to Europe, often relying on dangerous and illegal routes orchestrated by human traffickers.
In response, Afghan officials have called for more international cooperation to ensure the safety and protection of Afghan migrants, urging countries involved in migrant routes to enhance rescue operations and provide more support for those fleeing war-torn regions.
These recent tragedies have also sparked calls for the international community to increase efforts to tackle migrant smuggling networks and provide safer alternatives for those seeking refuge from Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis.
