Fourteen Egyptians pass away after irregular migration boat sank

(MENAFN) At least 14 Egyptian citizens died when an irregular migration boat capsized near the port of Crete, Greek authorities reported, according to statements from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

The ministry said the vessel, which departed on December 7, 2025, from a neighboring country en route to Greece, was carrying 34 irregular migrants of various nationalities, including the 14 Egyptians who lost their lives.

Egyptian officials said they are coordinating closely with Greek authorities to assist survivors and facilitate the repatriation of the victims’ bodies. Describing the tragedy as “tragic,” the ministry urged citizens to avoid engaging with irregular migration networks to protect their lives and prevent similar incidents.

Reports indicate that migrants often use Libya and other nearby countries as transit points to reach Crete, considered a key entryway to the European Union. In response, the Greek government suspended asylum applications for arrivals from Libya, particularly on Crete, earlier this year.

Since 2016, Egypt says it has successfully prevented any irregular migration boats from departing toward Europe, while Egyptian migrants typically rely on Libya as a route to cross the Mediterranean.

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