Greek Coast Guard Recovers Two Bodies, Rescues 39 Migrants on Aegean Island

The Greek coast guard has recovered the bodies of two women and rescued 39 other migrants on the tiny island of Farmakonisi, located in the Aegean Sea near the Turkish coast.

Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the women’s deaths remain unclear, and an investigation is underway. The migrants are believed to have arrived on the island earlier on Monday, prompting an ongoing search operation for possible additional survivors.

Those rescued have been transferred to the nearby island of Leros for medical checks and processing.

Farmakonisi, just 6 miles (9.7 km) from Turkey, is a frequent entry point for migrants attempting to reach Europe. Greece has long been a gateway for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

According to the coast guard, more than 250,000 people have been rescued since 2015, when Greece became a key entry point during Europe’s migration crisis. The UN refugee agency reports thousands have died attempting the dangerous sea crossing.

Just this month, at least seven migrants — including two children — drowned after their boat sank off the island of Lesbos.