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More than 20 migrants died in the Aegean in two separate incidents, one in Greek waters and another in Turkish waters over the last few days | Photo: Ali Ballı / Anadolu/picture alliance
More than 20 migrants died in the Aegean in two separate incidents, one in Greek waters and another in Turkish waters over the last few days | Photo: Ali Ballı / Anadolu/picture alliance

Rising death toll in Aegean:More than 20 dead in two separate incidents off Greece and Turkey

Latest update : 2025/10/27
By Sou-Jie van Brunnersum Latest update : 2025/10/27

Four migrants drowned off the Greek island of Lesbos after their small boat turned over amid strong winds. The disaster follows another deadly incident off the Turkish resort of Bodrum last week, where 17 migrants lost their lives while attempting the perilous crossing to Greece.

Four migrants drowned on Monday (October 27) after their small boat capsized off the Greek island of Lesbos, according to the Greek Coast Guard.

Seven people were rescued from the vessel, which overturned amid strong winds that have battered the area in recent days, a Coast Guard spokesperson said.

Here ambulances from Turkey arrive to take those rescued and found dead after a boat took on water off the resort of Bodrum | Photo: Ali Ballı / Anadolu/picture alliance
Here ambulances from Turkey arrive to take those rescued and found dead after a boat took on water off the resort of Bodrum | Photo: Ali Ballı / Anadolu/picture alliance

Greek islands entry point to Europe from Turkey

Lesbos and nearby islands, including Chios, Kos, Leros, and Samos, remain vital entry points for migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe from Turkey.

Last week, the bodies of two women were recovered from the coast of Chios after a boat carrying at least 29 people capsized. On October 7, four migrants were found dead off the coast of Lesbos.

17 migrants drown near Bodrum, Turkey

Fatalities have also been reported on the Turkish side of the Aegean. On Friday, 17 people drowned near the resort town of Bodrum, around five kilometers (three miles) from the Greek island of Kos. Their dinghy began taking on water shortly after departure.

Turkish rescue teams sent out four coast guard boats, a diving team and a helicopter in ongoing search and rescue efforts | Photo: Ali Ballı /Anadolu/picture alliance
Turkish rescue teams sent out four coast guard boats, a diving team and a helicopter in ongoing search and rescue efforts | Photo: Ali Ballı /Anadolu/picture alliance

Two people survived, including an Afghan national, while search operations continue for two others still missing. One survivor reportedly swam for six hours to reach the shore, while another was rescued on a nearby island, according to a statement from the regional governor’s office.

Turkish authorities have sent out four coast guard boats, a diving team, and a helicopter in ongoing rescue efforts. It remains unclear whether the group had been attempting to reach Kos.

A map showing the Greek islands | Credit: DW
A map showing the Greek islands | Credit: DW

Mediterranean route records over 1,000 deaths so far this year

Greece continues to serve as a major gateway into the European Union for people fleeing war, persecution, economic hardship, and climate crises in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Migrants attempt the fatal journey across the Aegean often in overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels typically operated by migrant smugglers.

Two people were rescued in the incident that occurred off the Turkish resort Bodrum on Friday (October 24) | Photo: Ali Ballı / Anadolu/picture alliance
Two people were rescued in the incident that occurred off the Turkish resort Bodrum on Friday (October 24) | Photo: Ali Ballı / Anadolu/picture alliance

Earlier this week, Greek authorities said they arrested 169 individuals, mostly foreign nationals, suspected of involvement in migrant trafficking networks during a nationwide operation. 

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 1,400 people have died so far in 2025 while attempting to reach Europe via Mediterranean migration routes.

With AFP and AP