World News

In a recent boat disaster off the coast of Greece, survivors have accused the Greek coastguard of causing the overcrowded fishing vessel to sink. The boat, carrying an estimated 750 migrants, mainly from Pakistan, Syria, and Egypt, capsized on 14 June, resulting in one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the Mediterranean in recent years. Out of the total passengers, only 104 survived, and 82 bodies have been recovered. Survivors claim that the Greek coastguard was towing the vessel when it sank, causing it to capsize. However, Greek authorities have denied this and stated that the migrants on board refused assistance, expressing a desire to travel to Italy. Some survivors allege that Greek officials pressured them not to speak to the media about the incident and attempted to change their accounts in return for financial aid and expedited refugee status applications. The Greek authorities have not provided a comment on these allegations, citing an ongoing investigation. The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for urgent action to prevent further deaths at sea and urged the European Union to establish safe regular pathways in the Mediterranean.