A 12-year-old died when he was struck by a boat propeller while reaching the Greek island of Samos, authorities said on Sunday, a day after at least 18 migrants drowned when their vessel capsized south of Crete.
The coastguard discovered the child’s body in the Svala area of Samos after 37 other migrants came ashore. An ambulance transported the body to the island’s hospital, according to local media reports.
Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred when the boy was hit by the propeller of the boat carrying the migrants to the island.
The latest incident occurred hours after Greek authorities announced that at least 18 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean died when their inflatable boat capsized south of Crete on Saturday.
A passing Turkish merchant vessel located the half-sunken boat and rescued two survivors. A search operation involving a ship and a plane from the European border agency Frontex, a Greek coastguard helicopter and three merchant vessels continued on Sunday.
Authorities have not determined where the capsized boat departed from.
Greece remains a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with fatal accidents occurring frequently.
The short but dangerous crossing from Turkey’s coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies once served as the primary route, but increased patrols and alleged pushbacks reduced attempts.
Arrivals from Libya to Crete have surged in recent months, according to reports.