30 migrants dead or missing off Greece in latest Mediterranean tragedy

About 30 migrants are dead or missing after a migrant boat capsized off the Greek island of Crete, marking the latest deadly incident along the perilous Mediterranean migration route , according to Greek authorities and the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The overcrowded wooden vessel , carrying around 50 people, overturned about 20 nautical miles off the port of Kali Limenes, the southernmost point of Crete , early on Saturday amid rough seas and strong winds . A nearby merchant ship rescued 20 survivors, who were taken safely ashore. Three men were found dead on Saturday , while a woman’s body was recovered on Sunday , bringing the confirmed death toll to four. With no further survivors or victims located despite extensive sea and air searches, around 30 people are now presumed dead .

Survivors told authorities the boat had departed from Tobruk in eastern Libya on Thursday, attempting a dangerous crossing toward Europe. Greek officials said several passengers were minors and that most of those onboard were from Sudan and Egypt. Two Sudanese men, aged 25 and 19, have been arrested on suspicion of acting as traffickers, as investigations continue into the smuggling network behind the voyage.

In a statement issued on Monday, the IOM said at least 606 migrants are dead or missing along Mediterranean routes in the first two months of 2026, marking the deadliest start to a year since 2014 . The agency warned that smuggling networks continue to exploit migrants , forcing them into overcrowded, unseaworthy boats and exposing them to severe abuse and life-threatening risks.

The IOM urged stronger international cooperation, improved rescue efforts and expanded safe and legal migration pathways to curb trafficking, reduce fatalities and prevent further tragedies at sea.