15 Afghan Migrants Drown After Boat Capsizes in Greek Waters

Fifteen Afghan migrants died after a boat carrying refugees capsized in waters off Greece, Greek authorities said. The incident occurred on February 3, with 24 people rescued, including 11 children.

The Greek Coast Guard stated that the migrant boat was traveling with its lights off and ignored warnings from a patrol ship to stop. It said the vessel suddenly changed direction as rescue forces approached, leading to a collision with the coast guard ship and subsequent capsizing.

Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris praised the rescue operation and blamed human smugglers for the deaths. A Greek court has ordered the arrest of a Moroccan man in connection with the incident.

However, three survivors rejected the coast guard's account in interviews with Reuters. They said their boat did not change direction and that they only noticed the coast guard ship moments before the collision when its lights turned on.

Greece, neighboring Turkey, serves as a primary entry point to the European Union. Tens of thousands of refugees attempt the dangerous sea route each year to reach the country and other parts of Europe.