Tragic shipwreck in Crete waters claims multiple lives and leaves many missing

A wooden boat carrying approximately 50 migrants sank off the southern coast of Crete early Saturday morning. The maritime disaster resulted in at least five confirmed fatalities and more than twenty people missing, according to RTHK. Local authorities and European agencies continue operations in the area to locate the missing.

Extreme sea conditions trigger capsizing

The accident occurred amid particularly adverse sea conditions. Strong winds reached force 6 on the Beaufort scale, while the waves exceeded 2.5 meters in height, creating a critical situation for the wooden vessel’s navigation. When rescue ships approached the scene, many passengers moved to one side of the boat seeking help. This sudden movement caused catastrophic imbalance, causing the vessel to capsize and sink rapidly.

Rescue operations in Crete

A cargo ship flying the Panamanian flag in the area managed to rescue twenty individuals from the wreck. Simultaneously, the Greek Coast Guard and specialized vessels from the European Maritime Safety Agency launched search operations in the region. These rescue forces found several bodies in the waters near Crete and continue searching the area for survivors and missing persons.

Grim outlook on the final toll

Authorities responsible for search and rescue express concern about the possible increase in victim numbers as recovery efforts continue in the waters of Crete. Rescue teams maintain active searches while difficult weather conditions persist, complicating the efforts to locate survivors.