At least 18 migrants die as inflatable boat sinks south of Greek island of Crete; 2 rescued

At least 18 migrants died Saturday when their inflatable boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea south of Crete, according to Greek authorities, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis at Europe’s maritime borders.

The half-sunken vessel was spotted by a passing Turkish merchant ship, which alerted authorities. Two survivors have been rescued from the water, while a multi-agency search and rescue operation continues in the area. Officials have not yet determined the boat’s point of origin.

The search effort involves substantial resources, including a ship and plane from the European border agency Frontex, a Greek Coast Guard helicopter, and three merchant vessels that were redirected to assist.

This latest tragedy underscores the Mediterranean’s status as one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Greece has long served as a major gateway into the European Union for people fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

For years, the primary route involved short but dangerous journeys from Turkey’s coast to nearby Greek islands using small boats and inflatable dinghies. These crossings often occur in poor weather conditions, with overcrowded vessels piloted by smugglers with little maritime experience.

That eastern route has seen reduced traffic in recent years due to increased patrols and controversial pushback allegations against Greek authorities. Human rights organizations have repeatedly accused Greece of forcibly returning migrants to Turkish waters, a practice that violates international law. Greek officials consistently deny these allegations.

As enforcement has tightened in the eastern Mediterranean, migration patterns have adapted. Authorities have observed a significant increase in arrivals to Crete from Libya in recent months, indicating a shift in smuggling routes. This longer journey across open water presents even greater risks to those attempting the crossing.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has documented thousands of deaths in the Mediterranean each year, though experts believe the actual toll is likely much higher as many boats disappear without witnesses.

The EU’s approach to migration has evolved since the 2015-2016 crisis when over a million people arrived on European shores. The bloc has strengthened Frontex’s mandate and resources while pursuing agreements with countries like Turkey to limit departures. Critics argue these policies have made journeys more dangerous by pushing migrants toward riskier routes.

Local humanitarian organizations operating in Greece have called for expanded legal pathways for asylum seekers, arguing that restrictive policies don’t deter desperate people from attempting dangerous crossings but instead force them to take greater risks.

The situation in the Mediterranean reflects broader global displacement trends. The UN Refugee Agency reports that worldwide forced displacement has reached record levels, with conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, and parts of Africa and increasing instability in the Middle East continuing to drive migration toward Europe.

The Greek government has maintained that it faces disproportionate pressure as a frontline EU member state and has repeatedly called for more equitable burden-sharing among European countries. Meanwhile, political tensions around migration have risen across the continent, with immigration policies becoming increasingly polarizing in many EU nations.

As search operations continue off Crete, this latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of forced migration and the ongoing challenges facing policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and border authorities throughout the region.