(MENAFN) Greek authorities reported on Sunday that one person had died and 25 others were rescued following the sinking of a boat carrying migrants off the Greek island of Samos in the Aegean Sea. Despite ongoing search and rescue efforts, the total number of individuals onboard at the time of the incident remained unclear. According to sources from the Hellenic Coast Guard, survivors indicated that four people were still missing, adding urgency to the search operation.

The tragic incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by migrants attempting to cross the Aegean Sea in search of safety and better opportunities. Greece has been at the forefront of the refugee and migrant influx into Europe since 2015, serving as a key entry point for those fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty. Despite efforts to enhance maritime safety and rescue operations, such incidents continue to highlight the perilous journey undertaken by migrants and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of forced migration.

Over the past nine years, hundreds of individuals have lost their lives in the Aegean Sea, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for concerted international efforts to prevent further tragedies. As search and rescue operations continue and the fate of those missing remains uncertain, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of the refugee and migrant crisis in the Mediterranean region.

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