Mediterranean tragedy claims 18 Bangladeshi lives
At least 22 migrants have died in the Mediterranean Sea while attempting to reach Europe from North Africa, with 18 of the victims identified as Bangladeshi nationals, according to reports citing the Hellenic Coast Guard.
The incident occurred off the coast of Greece, one of the main entry points for migrants trying to access the European Union.
A patrol vessel operated by Frontex rescued 26 survivors from a drifting rubber dinghy. Those rescued included 21 Bangladeshis, four Sudanese citizens and one person from Chad, along with a woman and a child. Survivors told authorities that at least 22 people died during the journey and that traffickers ordered their bodies to be thrown overboard.
Greek officials said the boat had departed from Tobruk on March 21, heading toward Greece. After nearly six days at sea, the vessel reportedly lost direction and ran out of food and drinking water. Exposure to harsh weather, starvation and dehydration are believed to have caused the deaths.
Authorities have arrested two suspected human traffickers from South Sudan, aged 19 and 22, on charges including illegal entry and negligent homicide. The case is part of a broader crackdown on smuggling networks that exploit migrants seeking better opportunities in Europe.
According to the International Organization for Migration, fatalities along the Mediterranean migration route have sharply increased, with at least 559 deaths recorded in the first two months of this year—more than double the figure from the same period last year.
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