Frontex Ship Sinks Near Greek Island of Lesbos

2025-07-15 04:12:10

(MENAFN) A European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) vessel sank Monday following a collision with a coral reef close to the Greek island of Lesbos, Greek authorities confirmed.

The Portuguese-flagged ship was part of a joint search and rescue mission alongside Greek forces when the accident occurred. The Hellenic Coast Guard successfully rescued all six crew members aboard the vessel.

This operation had been initiated earlier that day after 36 migrants were saved in Greek waters. However, four individuals from that group remain missing after reportedly departing from the Turkish coast, the Coast Guard reported.

Frontex has played a crucial role in supporting European Union (EU) nations with the management of the bloc’s external borders in recent years.

Greece continues to serve as a primary gateway for migrants and asylum seekers entering the EU, with over one million arrivals—mostly from Türkiye—since 2015. Although migrant flows have slowed in recent years, tens of thousands still undertake the dangerous sea journey annually, seeking safety and improved prospects within Europe.

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