At least 18 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in an inflatable boat died when it capsized south of the island of Crete, Greek authorities said Saturday, per the AP. It was the nation's worst migrant boat wreck in more than two years, reports the New York Times. The half-sunken boat was located Saturday by a passing Turkish merchant vessel, authorities said. Two survivors were rescued, and a rescue operation to find more was ongoing.
Greece is a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and fatal accidents are not uncommon. The short but perilous journey from Turkey's coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies or small boats, often in poor conditions, used to be the major route until increased patrols reduced crossing attempts.
Greece also froze asylum applications over the summer, and it put a new law into effect imposing prison terms for those who stay after their application is rejected. In recent months, however, arrivals from Libya to Crete have surged. Authorities have not yet determined where the latest boat came from.