Greek wildfires continue till third day, EU allies send aid

The Greek police on Monday (July 17) said they have arrested a man suspected of starting the wildfire near the capital city of Athens, which has since prompted the evacuation of thousands. The blaze is said to have been fuelled by a heatwave and strong winds, according to&nbsp;firefighters.&nbsp;

<h2>Wildfires prompt evacuations</h2>

Multiple wildfires have been reported across southern Greece after the fire was said to have been started in Kouvaras which is some 50 kilometres southeast of Athens and spread fast amid erratic winds up to 70 km/hour.&nbsp; 
 
The blaze quickly spread south toward the Attica region as well as Lagonissi, Anavyssos and Saronida, where several homes were burned, reported AFP citing footage by the public broadcaster ERT. Several houses and cars were also seen gutted by the fire while thick white smoke billowed in wooded areas. &nbsp;

According to reports, another wildfire was reported in the popular beach town of Loutraki where the town’s mayor, Giorgos Gkionis, said, “We have saved 1,200 children who were in the holiday camps.”&nbsp;

The army, police special forces and volunteer rescuers also evacuated a rehabilitation centre for seniors and rescued horses from a stable in the area, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Additionally, firefighters were also trying to tackle the flame near Lagonisi, some 40 kilometres southeast of the Greek capital, which is home to thousands of seaside vacation houses.&nbsp;

According to reports, thick smoke also blocked traffic in the nearby Kalyvia, where the authorities have asked residents to leave the area and the monks were evacuated from a local monastery.&nbsp;

<h2>Man arrested for suspected arson</h2>

Fire spokesperson Ioannis Artopoios said that the police have arrested “a foreigner who allegedly caused the fire” in Kouvaras. No other information about the man was immediately available.

<h2>Response to 81 fires in Greece</h2>

Officials were&nbsp;in the midst of battling a total of&nbsp;81 blazes&nbsp;across the country, on&nbsp;Monday.&nbsp;According to local authorities, around 200 firemen, 20 soldiers, 68 engines and 16 aircraft have been deployed to get the blaze under control, said a Greek fire service official, as per Reuters.

“Due to high winds, the blaze spread across 12 kilometres in two hours,” said Artopoios. While the fire brigade has also been placed on standby in the wider Athens area.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in Loutraki, around&nbsp;135 firemen with 50 fire engines, 40 soldiers and 13 aircraft have been deployed to contain the fire which has since disrupted train services and also prompted officials to shut down a part of the highway, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

“The conditions are changing constantly and this has to be matched by our response. We have ordered multiple evacuations,” said Artopios, adding that the mountainous terrain and wind have slowed down the firefighting efforts.&nbsp; 
 
He also spoke about how Tuesday will also be a "very difficult day" as there is a "very high risk for fires" and strong winds will persist.

<h2>Heatwave, forest fire warnings in Greece</h2>

This comes as Greece along with the rest of Europe has been witnessing a heatwave since last week with temperatures reaching as high as 44 degree Celsius, in some parts of the country.&nbsp;

Furthermore, greater Athens and much of southern Greece were placed on the second highest level of alert for wildfires Monday and Tuesday after the four-day heatwave in the country, with some respite over the weekend.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Greek police on Monday (July 17) said they have arrested a man suspected of starting the wildfire near the capital city of Athens, which has since prompted the evacuation of thousands.

The Greek police on Monday (July 17) said they have arrested a man suspected of starting the wildfire near the capital city of Athens, which has since prompted the evacuation of thousands. The blaze is said to have been fuelled by a heatwave and strong winds, according to firefighters. Wildfires prompt evacuations Multiple wildfires have been reported across southern Greece after the fire was said to have been started in Kouvaras which is some 50 kilometres southeast of Athens and spread fast amid erratic winds up to 70 km/hour. The blaze quickly spread south toward the Attica region as well as Lagonissi, Anavyssos and Saronida, where several homes were burned, reported AFP citing footage by the public broadcaster ERT. Several houses and cars were also seen gutted by the fire while thick white smoke billowed in wooded areas. According to reports, another wildfire was reported in the popular beach town of Loutraki where the town’s mayor, Giorgos Gkionis, said, “We have saved 1,200 children who were in the holiday camps.” The army, police special forces and volunteer rescuers also evacuated a rehabilitation centre for seniors and rescued horses from a stable in the area, reported the Associated Press. Additionally, firefighters were also trying to tackle the flame near Lagonisi, some 40 kilometres southeast of the Greek capital, which is home to thousands of seaside vacation houses. According to reports, thick smoke also blocked traffic in the nearby Kalyvia, where the authorities have asked residents to leave the area and the monks were evacuated from a local monastery. Man arrested for suspected arson Fire spokesperson Ioannis Artopoios said that the police have arrested “a foreigner who allegedly caused the fire” in Kouvaras. No other information about the man was immediately available. Response to 81 fires in Greece Officials were in the midst of battling a total of 81 blazes across the country, on Monday. According to local authorities, around 200 firemen, 20 soldiers, 68 engines and 16 aircraft have been deployed to get the blaze under control, said a Greek fire service official, as per Reuters. “Due to high winds, the blaze spread across 12 kilometres in two hours,” said Artopoios. While the fire brigade has also been placed on standby in the wider Athens area. Meanwhile, in Loutraki, around 135 firemen with 50 fire engines, 40 soldiers and 13 aircraft have been deployed to contain the fire which has since disrupted train services and also prompted officials to shut down a part of the highway, reported Reuters. “The conditions are changing constantly and this has to be matched by our response. We have ordered multiple evacuations,” said Artopios, adding that the mountainous terrain and wind have slowed down the firefighting efforts. He also spoke about how Tuesday will also be a "very difficult day" as there is a "very high risk for fires" and strong winds will persist. Heatwave, forest fire warnings in Greece This comes as Greece along with the rest of Europe has been witnessing a heatwave since last week with temperatures reaching as high as 44 degree Celsius, in some parts of the country. Furthermore, greater Athens and much of southern Greece were placed on the second highest level of alert for wildfires Monday and Tuesday after the four-day heatwave in the country, with some respite over the weekend. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Greece arrests man suspected of starting wildfire, thousands evacuated near Athens

Much of southern Europe is baking in extreme heat with Greece seeing temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or more. Acropolis the country's most popular tourist attraction was closed during the hottest hours of the day to protect visitors. Greek authorities proactively shut the gates of its ancient monuments between midday and early evening amid the heat wave. Red Cross staff hunted out bottled water to tourists as temperatures were expected to peak above 40 degrees Celsius in the Greek Capital.

Temperatures soar up to 40 degree Celsius in Greece

According to family sources, Usman Siddique, one of the 12 Pakistanis who survived the catastrophe, landed at his hometown of Kaleki village on the outskirts of Gujrat on Friday. He has visited with several individuals whose loved ones died in the disaster after his return.

Survivor of Greece boat tragedy returns home

A new investigation has revealed that the Greek coastguard's attempts to&nbsp;tow a fishing trawler with hundreds of migrants may have resulted in the trawler sinking. The investigation has been conducted by the Guardian and its media partners. The sinking of the trawler left an estimated 500 people missing. The investigation has raised further questions about the incident.

The trawler was carrying migrants from Libya to Italy and sank off the coast of Greece on June 14. The tragedy left 104 survivors but hundreds more went missing.

The Guardian said that interviews with 20 survivors were carried out. The investigation also drew on court documents and coastguard sources to build a picture of rescue opportunities that were missed and offers of assistance that were ignored. Multiple survivors said that attempts by the Greek coastguard to tow the migrant vessel caused it to sink.

Greek coastguard has assertively denied any attempt to tow the trawler.

Forensis, a Berlin-based research agency founded by Forensic Architecture, recreated the night of the tragedy using an interactive 3D model of the boat

The joint investigation by The Guardian, German public broadcaster ARD/NDR/Funk and Greek investigative outlet Solomon happened in collaboration with Forensis. The investigation has reportedly found new evidence, such as a coastguard vessel moored at a port close by was never sent to the scene of the tragedy. It has also been reportedly found that Greek authorities failed not two but three times to offer help by Frontex, the EU border and coastguard agency.

Forensis made use of data from the coastguard's log and the testimony of the coastguard vessel captain along with flight paths, maritime traffic data, images from satellites and other videos. It mapped the last few hours before the sinking of the vessel.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-boat-tragedy-pakistanis-were-singled-out-to-go-below-deck-says-report-606011">Greece boat tragedy: Pakistanis were singled out to go below deck, says report</a>

The investigation has reportedly found that the ship's last movements are in contradiction with the information from the coastguard. It reveals inconsistencies in the official account of events.

More importantly, Guardian said it was found that the overcrowded trawler started moving westward after meeting a single Greek coastguard vessel that was sent to the scene.

<h2>Contradicting info</h2>

Multiple survivor testimonies have revealed to the Guardian and Greek prosecutors that the Greek coastguard told the migrants that they will be led to Italy. This contradicts with Greek coastguard's official version that the trawler started moving west on its own. The investigation has also revealed that the trawler had turned to the south and was stationary for an hour before the second towing attempt took place. This proved to be fatal.

Guardian quoted a survivor who said that the trawler was towed for 10 minutes by the Greeks following which it sank.

“I feel that they have tried to push us out of Greek water so that their responsibility ends,” the survivor said as quoted by the Guardian.

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A new investigation has revealed that the Greek coastguard's attempts to tow a fishing trawler with hundreds of migrants may have resulted in the trawler sinking.

A new investigation has revealed that the Greek coastguard's attempts to tow a fishing trawler with hundreds of migrants may have resulted in the trawler sinking. The investigation has been conducted by the Guardian and its media partners. The sinking of the trawler left an estimated 500 people missing. The investigation has raised further questions about the incident. The trawler was carrying migrants from Libya to Italy and sank off the coast of Greece on June 14. The tragedy left 104 survivors but hundreds more went missing. The Guardian said that interviews with 20 survivors were carried out. The investigation also drew on court documents and coastguard sources to build a picture of rescue opportunities that were missed and offers of assistance that were ignored. Multiple survivors said that attempts by the Greek coastguard to tow the migrant vessel caused it to sink. Greek coastguard has assertively denied any attempt to tow the trawler. Forensis, a Berlin-based research agency founded by Forensic Architecture, recreated the night of the tragedy using an interactive 3D model of the boat The joint investigation by The Guardian, German public broadcaster ARD/NDR/Funk and Greek investigative outlet Solomon happened in collaboration with Forensis. The investigation has reportedly found new evidence, such as a coastguard vessel moored at a port close by was never sent to the scene of the tragedy. It has also been reportedly found that Greek authorities failed not two but three times to offer help by Frontex, the EU border and coastguard agency. Forensis made use of data from the coastguard's log and the testimony of the coastguard vessel captain along with flight paths, maritime traffic data, images from satellites and other videos. It mapped the last few hours before the sinking of the vessel. Also Read | Greece boat tragedy: Pakistanis were singled out to go below deck, says report The investigation has reportedly found that the ship's last movements are in contradiction with the information from the coastguard. It reveals inconsistencies in the official account of events. More importantly, Guardian said it was found that the overcrowded trawler started moving westward after meeting a single Greek coastguard vessel that was sent to the scene. Contradicting info Multiple survivor testimonies have revealed to the Guardian and Greek prosecutors that the Greek coastguard told the migrants that they will be led to Italy. This contradicts with Greek coastguard's official version that the trawler started moving west on its own. The investigation has also revealed that the trawler had turned to the south and was stationary for an hour before the second towing attempt took place. This proved to be fatal. Guardian quoted a survivor who said that the trawler was towed for 10 minutes by the Greeks following which it sank. “I feel that they have tried to push us out of Greek water so that their responsibility ends,” the survivor said as quoted by the Guardian. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Investigation into Greek shipwreck suggests coastguard responsible for sinking: Report

Alexis Tsipras, the one-time leftist firebrand who stormed to power on an anti-austerity agenda in Greece in 2015, stepped down from the helm of the Syriza party after 15 years on Thursday, following a heavy election defeat.

At the height of Greece's deep economic crisis, Tsipras, known for sporting his no-tie look, rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become the country's first leftist prime minister.

Tsipras, and his finance minister at the time Yanis Varoufakis, were global household names when Greece was racked with violent street protests against the international bailouts that saved the country from bankruptcy but imposed painful austerity on Greeks.

Syriza lost to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's New Democracy in 2019, and in Sunday's vote, won just 17.8 per cent&nbsp;of the votes, against 40.5 for New Democracy.

"The time has come to start a new cycle," Tsipras said in a televised address announcing his resignation.

"The negative election result can - and must - become the beginning of this cycle," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/greek-elections-mitsotakiss-conservatives-on-track-for-decisive-majority-608629">Greek elections: Mitsotakis's conservatives on track for decisive majority</a>

Tsipras said he would not be a candidate in elections for a new party leader.

Tsipras' decision to step down was "sudden", a party source said, but also "the right one for the party's reform and his own legacy". &nbsp;&nbsp;

When elected at the age of 40, Tsirpas, an engineer by training and a former member of the Communist youth, was one of Greece's youngest-ever prime ministers.&nbsp;

Soon after taking power, he railed against austerity and the bailout programmes backed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund that he says had triggered a humanitarian crisis in Greece.

But after months of fierce fighting with other eurozone countries, Tsipras was forced in June 2015 to impose capital controls. In July, he won a referendum urging Greeks to reject an offered bailout but made a U-turn and signed up for a tougher programme a month later.&nbsp;

Since Greece's third and final bailout programme ended in 2018, the country has regained market access, cut down its record debt and growth is set to outpace the euro zone's average. Public anger has quietened down as a result.

Following an inconclusive general election in May, in which Syriza came second, political analysts said Syriza missed the willingness of the electorate to move away from the crisis years.

"I am proud of everything that happened," Tsipras said on Thursday. "This difficult journey had compromises, and difficult decisions, and injuries and attrition, but it was a journey that left a mark on history."

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Alexis Tsipras, the one-time leftist firebrand who stormed to power on an anti-austerity agenda in Greece in 2015, stepped down from the helm of the Syriza party after 15 years on Thursday, following a heavy election defeat.

Alexis Tsipras, the one-time leftist firebrand who stormed to power on an anti-austerity agenda in Greece in 2015, stepped down from the helm of the Syriza party after 15 years on Thursday, following a heavy election defeat. At the height of Greece's deep economic crisis, Tsipras, known for sporting his no-tie look, rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become the country's first leftist prime minister. Tsipras, and his finance minister at the time Yanis Varoufakis, were global household names when Greece was racked with violent street protests against the international bailouts that saved the country from bankruptcy but imposed painful austerity on Greeks. Syriza lost to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's New Democracy in 2019, and in Sunday's vote, won just 17.8 per cent of the votes, against 40.5 for New Democracy. "The time has come to start a new cycle," Tsipras said in a televised address announcing his resignation. "The negative election result can - and must - become the beginning of this cycle," he said. Also read | Greek elections: Mitsotakis's conservatives on track for decisive majority Tsipras said he would not be a candidate in elections for a new party leader. Tsipras' decision to step down was "sudden", a party source said, but also "the right one for the party's reform and his own legacy". When elected at the age of 40, Tsirpas, an engineer by training and a former member of the Communist youth, was one of Greece's youngest-ever prime ministers. Soon after taking power, he railed against austerity and the bailout programmes backed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund that he says had triggered a humanitarian crisis in Greece. But after months of fierce fighting with other eurozone countries, Tsipras was forced in June 2015 to impose capital controls. In July, he won a referendum urging Greeks to reject an offered bailout but made a U-turn and signed up for a tougher programme a month later. Since Greece's third and final bailout programme ended in 2018, the country has regained market access, cut down its record debt and growth is set to outpace the euro zone's average. Public anger has quietened down as a result. Following an inconclusive general election in May, in which Syriza came second, political analysts said Syriza missed the willingness of the electorate to move away from the crisis years. "I am proud of everything that happened," Tsipras said on Thursday. "This difficult journey had compromises, and difficult decisions, and injuries and attrition, but it was a journey that left a mark on history." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Greek leftist leader Alexis Tsipras resigns as Syriza party leader after crushing poll defeat

Voters in Greece have sent not one but three far-right nationalist parties into the parliament. This has happened for the first time since the restoration of democracy nearly 50 years ago. The parties garnered 12.8 per cent votes between them and have bagged a total of 300 seats in parliament.

Chief amongst them are the Spartans -- whose logo is an ancient warrior's helmet -- a party so little known that local journalists did not even know where their offices were.

The general election they contested on Sunday was their first. The party appeared in opinion polls just two weeks before the vote.&nbsp;

However, the man who backs the party is widely known in Greece. Ilias Kasidiaris is the former spokesman of the neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn. The party was labelled a criminal organisation by the courts and banned from contesting elections.

Kasidiaris is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence along with other Golden Dawn members for crimes including murder of an anti-fascist rapper.

Hellenes, the party he founded after leaving Golden Dawn, had also been blocked from standing in the polls.

In spite of his criminal record, Kasidiaris' endorsement led to Spartans picking up 140,000 votes and bagging 12 seats.

The party leader Vasilis Stigas thanked Kasidiaris after Sunday's vote, calling him "the fuel that gave us the push to get this result."

Other than the Spartans, the more established pro-Russia party Greek Solution obtained 230,000 votes which was enough to elect 12 lawmakers. The party is led by former telesales marketer Kyriakos Velopoulos.

Velopoulos, whose party first appeared in the 2019 European parliamentary election, used to peddle beeswax as a treatment for hair loss on his television show, as well as letters allegedly written by Jesus Christ.

Other than these two parties, the anti-abortion Victory party bagged 10 seats. It is led by a theologian who is fond of reciting psalms during his speeches.

Its manifesto included a plan to require immigrants to undergo monthly health, working status and penal record checks. Anyone who failed to comply would be expelled from Greece.

"Although I was afraid of the far right's rise, I did not expect us to be facing the most far-right parliament in recent Greek history and one of the worst in Europe," wrote Aristides Chatzis, a law professor at the University of Athens, in Kathimerini daily.

Support appears to be strongest in northern Greece, a traditional stronghold of the right.&nbsp;

Far-right parties took more than 20 per cent of the vote in six electoral districts in the northern Macedonia region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Voters in Greece have sent not one but three far-right nationalist parties into the parliament. This has happened for the first time since the restoration of democracy nearly 50 years ago.

Voters in Greece have sent not one but three far-right nationalist parties into the parliament. This has happened for the first time since the restoration of democracy nearly 50 years ago. The parties garnered 12.8 per cent votes between them and have bagged a total of 300 seats in parliament. Chief amongst them are the Spartans -- whose logo is an ancient warrior's helmet -- a party so little known that local journalists did not even know where their offices were. The general election they contested on Sunday was their first. The party appeared in opinion polls just two weeks before the vote. However, the man who backs the party is widely known in Greece. Ilias Kasidiaris is the former spokesman of the neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn. The party was labelled a criminal organisation by the courts and banned from contesting elections. Kasidiaris is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence along with other Golden Dawn members for crimes including murder of an anti-fascist rapper. Hellenes, the party he founded after leaving Golden Dawn, had also been blocked from standing in the polls. In spite of his criminal record, Kasidiaris' endorsement led to Spartans picking up 140,000 votes and bagging 12 seats. The party leader Vasilis Stigas thanked Kasidiaris after Sunday's vote, calling him "the fuel that gave us the push to get this result." Other than the Spartans, the more established pro-Russia party Greek Solution obtained 230,000 votes which was enough to elect 12 lawmakers. The party is led by former telesales marketer Kyriakos Velopoulos. Velopoulos, whose party first appeared in the 2019 European parliamentary election, used to peddle beeswax as a treatment for hair loss on his television show, as well as letters allegedly written by Jesus Christ. Other than these two parties, the anti-abortion Victory party bagged 10 seats. It is led by a theologian who is fond of reciting psalms during his speeches. Its manifesto included a plan to require immigrants to undergo monthly health, working status and penal record checks. Anyone who failed to comply would be expelled from Greece. "Although I was afraid of the far right's rise, I did not expect us to be facing the most far-right parliament in recent Greek history and one of the worst in Europe," wrote Aristides Chatzis, a law professor at the University of Athens, in Kathimerini daily. Support appears to be strongest in northern Greece, a traditional stronghold of the right. Far-right parties took more than 20 per cent of the vote in six electoral districts in the northern Macedonia region. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Far-right parties make comeback in Greek parliament

A minimum of 350 Pakistanis were on an overloaded boat that sank in open seas off Greece last week. It was a case of human smuggling where a fishing boat with a capacity of 400 people had over 700 people on board.

Greece boat tragedy: Anger among shipwreck victims` kin

Right-wing or conservative attitudes are becoming more popular in countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, and Greece. Following the triumph of Greece's new Democratic Party, the debate in Europe has resumed. Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be sworn in as Prime Minister of Greece for the second time.

Greece: Rise of Right in Europe?

Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, and Greece have one thing in common the rise of right or conservative ideologies. The victory of Greece's New Democratic Party has reignited the debate in Europe. Greek conservative leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be sworn in as Greece's Prime Minister for the second time.

Greece: More pressure on strong migrant laws

Greece: Political analysts predicts more right-wing wave in Europe

Greeks went to the polls on Sunday for the second time in little over a month to elect a new parliament, with voters expected to give former Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' conservatives a second term in office.

Greece votes in repeat poll with former PM seeking second term

Voters in Greece head to a repeat election on Sunday (June 25) where former prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking a second term to form the government. Polling stations would open at 7 am (0400 GMT) across Greece and close 12 hours later, according to a report by the news agency Reuters.

Voters in Greece head to a repeat election on Sunday (June 25) where former prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking a second term to form the government. Polling stations would open at 7 am (0400 GMT) across Greece and close 12 hours later, according to a report by the news agency Reuters. The results are expected by 1700 GMT. Mitsotakis is projected to win comfortably, but his rival Alexis Tsipras is hoping to deprive him of an absolute majority. Mitsotakis' New Democratic party won the election on May 21, twenty points clear of Tsipras' Syriza party. However, it fell short of the majority needed to rule without forming a coalition. As election rules this time would accord up to 50 bonus seats to the winner of the vote, the New Democracy party is widely projected to emerge victorious. A report by the news agency AFP said that Mitsotakis urged supporters to turn up at the election and warned of a possibility of a third election if he failed to get a majority. "I hope we don't have to meet again in early August," he told a TV channel, adding, "All the gains we have made must be consolidated and continued." Mitsotakis, who had been serving as Greece's PM since 2019, stepped down in favour of a caretaker premier after the inconclusive vote last month, as required by the constitution. What do the opinion polls say? Opinion polls in the run-up to the election suggest that Mitsotakis would win with 40-45 per cent. If accurate, that would give him up to 50 bonus seats for the winner, facilitating the formation of a single-party government. Give Greece a stable govt: Mitsotakis On Friday, Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged voters to give Greece a stable government. “In uncertain times the country needs certain handling, it needs a government which will not be dependent on fragile majorities, which will not be dependent on lobbies, which will not be dependent on the balance of powers,” the former PM said during his final campaign rally in Athens. Mitsotakis also said he would increase the minimum wage and pensions, provide tax breaks, and improve the country’s health and education systems. Migrant shipwreck sidelines other issues in run-up to poll Sunday's election is happening in the shadow of the June 14 migrant shipwreck which killed at least 82 people, with hundreds more feared missing and unlikely to be found. Reuters reported that the disaster sidelined other issues in the run-up to the election, including a cost of living crisis, and a deadly rail crash in February. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Greece votes in repeat poll with former PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis seeking second term

Fourteen suspects allegedly involved in trafficking Pakistani people to Europe through West Asia (Middle East) and Africa were arrested by Pakistan authorities in the latest crackdown that comes in the wake of several losing their lives in the recent Greece boat tragedy.

Greek boat tragedy: Pakistan officials arrest 14 involved in human trafficking

Death hangs over the Pakistan village of Bandli like a shroud, as residents absorb news that as many as 24 young local men may be among hundreds feared drowned in last week's Greek migrant boat tragedy.

The village, home to around 15,000, was in mourning as relatives offered up DNA samples to identify bodies among the 82 recovered from last Wednesday's shipwreck in the Ionian Sea.

A procession of visitors came and went from the homes of families in distress, 95 kilometres (60 miles) southeast of Islamabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Parents sat listlessly in the street and funeral prayers were not yet held, as the faintest hope still lingered.

Shahnaz Bibi said she spoke to her son Inaam Shafaat, 20, by phone a day before the overcrowded and rusty trawler set sail from Libya into Mediterranean waters on the world's deadliest migrant route.

"At night he told me that the weather was not clear. I told him not to go on the boat, but he wouldn't listen to me," said Bibi, in her 50s, having her DNA sampled at a local hospital.

"He said, 'Mother I leave you in the protection of Allah. Pray for me'," she told AFP, her voice hoarse from weeping as she dabbed tears away with her shawl.

<h2>Send another son</h2>

Authorities in Europe still have no clear idea how many people were aboard the boat when it sank -- estimates range from 400 to over 700 -- but likely hundreds came from Pakistan, largely from the most populous Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The country's Federal Investigation Agency said Wednesday they have collected DNA samples from families of 108 missing youths.

Sarfraz Khan Virk, another senior official from the FIA in Lahore, told reporters that following previous such disasters, many families have refused to speak to authorities.&nbsp;

"They said that we want to send a second son and we will suffer if you file a case," he said.&nbsp;

"There are families who had sent one brother to Italy and after a failed attempt with the second brother, want to send the third one. So we have many issues and the people are not cooperating with us."

The country is in the grip of a staggering economic downturn with runaway inflation, industry and imports hobbled, and a tumbling rupee sapping families' abilities to pay their way.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir -- where Bandli nestles among lush rolling hills -- has historically been a springboard for migrants&nbsp;increasingly driven to make desperate odysseys escaping hardship.

The eastern region hosts a thriving black market of human smugglers and Islamabad says 16 have been arrested for alleged links to the tragedy.

"What happened to our brother shouldn't happen to anyone else. Human trafficking has been on the rise, it will not stop," said Waheed Wazir, 38, whose younger brother Imran, 32, is missing.

"The human trafficking agents who are arrested should not be released. They should be publicly punished so nobody dares to do such a thing in the future."

The assistant commissioner of the local district Sardar Mushtaq Ahmad confirmed 24 people had been reported missing from the area.

Migrant journeys from Pakistan to Europe are perilous. Travellers often have only patchy communication with relatives and the illegal nature of the trip encourages them to lay low.

With the majority of the passengers still reportedly lost at sea, the Bandli families cling to the precious final words they heard from their relatives.

"My son had told me that they were putting them on the boat. The weather was not good," said Tasleem Bibi, 48, already grieving her 20-year-old son Akash Gulzar.

"His voice gradually sank and he could not speak further."

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Death hangs over the Pakistan village of Bandli like a shroud, as residents absorb news that as many as 24 young local men may be among hundreds feared drowned in last week's Greek migrant boat tragedy.

Death hangs over the Pakistan village of Bandli like a shroud, as residents absorb news that as many as 24 young local men may be among hundreds feared drowned in last week's Greek migrant boat tragedy. The village, home to around 15,000, was in mourning as relatives offered up DNA samples to identify bodies among the 82 recovered from last Wednesday's shipwreck in the Ionian Sea. A procession of visitors came and went from the homes of families in distress, 95 kilometres (60 miles) southeast of Islamabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Parents sat listlessly in the street and funeral prayers were not yet held, as the faintest hope still lingered. Shahnaz Bibi said she spoke to her son Inaam Shafaat, 20, by phone a day before the overcrowded and rusty trawler set sail from Libya into Mediterranean waters on the world's deadliest migrant route. "At night he told me that the weather was not clear. I told him not to go on the boat, but he wouldn't listen to me," said Bibi, in her 50s, having her DNA sampled at a local hospital. "He said, 'Mother I leave you in the protection of Allah. Pray for me'," she told AFP, her voice hoarse from weeping as she dabbed tears away with her shawl. Send another son Authorities in Europe still have no clear idea how many people were aboard the boat when it sank -- estimates range from 400 to over 700 -- but likely hundreds came from Pakistan, largely from the most populous Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The country's Federal Investigation Agency said Wednesday they have collected DNA samples from families of 108 missing youths. Sarfraz Khan Virk, another senior official from the FIA in Lahore, told reporters that following previous such disasters, many families have refused to speak to authorities. "They said that we want to send a second son and we will suffer if you file a case," he said. "There are families who had sent one brother to Italy and after a failed attempt with the second brother, want to send the third one. So we have many issues and the people are not cooperating with us." The country is in the grip of a staggering economic downturn with runaway inflation, industry and imports hobbled, and a tumbling rupee sapping families' abilities to pay their way. Pakistan-administered Kashmir -- where Bandli nestles among lush rolling hills -- has historically been a springboard for migrants increasingly driven to make desperate odysseys escaping hardship. The eastern region hosts a thriving black market of human smugglers and Islamabad says 16 have been arrested for alleged links to the tragedy. "What happened to our brother shouldn't happen to anyone else. Human trafficking has been on the rise, it will not stop," said Waheed Wazir, 38, whose younger brother Imran, 32, is missing. "The human trafficking agents who are arrested should not be released. They should be publicly punished so nobody dares to do such a thing in the future." The assistant commissioner of the local district Sardar Mushtaq Ahmad confirmed 24 people had been reported missing from the area. Migrant journeys from Pakistan to Europe are perilous. Travellers often have only patchy communication with relatives and the illegal nature of the trip encourages them to lay low. With the majority of the passengers still reportedly lost at sea, the Bandli families cling to the precious final words they heard from their relatives. "My son had told me that they were putting them on the boat. The weather was not good," said Tasleem Bibi, 48, already grieving her 20-year-old son Akash Gulzar. "His voice gradually sank and he could not speak further." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pakistan village mourns 24 feared dead in Greek migrant boat tragedy

Nine Egyptian men suspected of belonging to a smuggling ring that crewed the capsized ship off Greece were charged with human trafficking and remanded in pretrial custody Tuesday.&nbsp;

The suspects had survived the sinking but were soon arrested from the port of Kalamata last week. A court in the city ordered their detention after questioning them for over 10 hours. &nbsp;

The arrests were a result of two days of interviews with the survivors, cross-referencing the information and honing down the possibilities of who among the survivors might have been part of the trafficking ring that profited from this enterprise.

The men detained are between 20 and 40 years old and if convicted of manslaughter and forming a criminal organisation charges, face a sentence of up to life imprisonment.&nbsp;

<h2>Death count up&nbsp;</h2>

The death toll from the sinking of the fishing ship climbed to 82 on Tuesday, authorities informed. The boat with over 750 people onboard, including 100 children was bound for Italy hwn it sank.&nbsp;

The testimonies have reportedly revealed that the boat's engine failed days before it sank.

“We started the journey at dawn on Friday. Around 700 of us were on board,” a migrant told the coastguard as per The Guardian.

“We were travelling for three days and then the engine failed.”

Survivors say the boat was practically packed in every corner and had no lifeboats or any safety measures in place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-declares-three-days-mourning-over-migrant-boat-tragedy-604817">Watch |&nbsp;Greece declares three days' mourning over migrant boat tragedy</a>

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Going by the assessment of one of the migrants on the boat, everyone paid at least $4,000 to $5,000 to undertake the voyage, meaning, the entire ship and its human cargo was worth in excess of $3.5 million.&nbsp;

<h2>Pakistani migrants discriminated&nbsp;</h2>

Even then, the Egyptian smugglers forced the Pakistani migrants to go below deck while other nationalities stayed on the upper deck where&nbsp;they stood a greater chance of surviving in the event the boat sank, which it did.

Pakistani media is reporting that at least 298 Pakistanis died in the tragedy out of which 135 were from the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-boat-tragedy-pakistanis-were-singled-out-to-go-below-deck-says-report-606011">Also read |&nbsp;Greece boat tragedy: Pakistanis were singled out to go below deck, says report</a>

The authorities fear that by the time the rescue operation concludes, the death toll could run into hundreds.&nbsp;

"We are witnessing one of the biggest tragedies in the Mediterranean and the numbers announced by the authorities are devastating," the UN International Organization for Migration said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Nine Egyptian men suspected of belonging to a smuggling ring that crewed the capsized ship off Greece were charged with human trafficking and remanded in pretrial custody Tuesday.

Nine Egyptian men suspected of belonging to a smuggling ring that crewed the capsized ship off Greece were charged with human trafficking and remanded in pretrial custody Tuesday. The suspects had survived the sinking but were soon arrested from the port of Kalamata last week. A court in the city ordered their detention after questioning them for over 10 hours. The arrests were a result of two days of interviews with the survivors, cross-referencing the information and honing down the possibilities of who among the survivors might have been part of the trafficking ring that profited from this enterprise. The men detained are between 20 and 40 years old and if convicted of manslaughter and forming a criminal organisation charges, face a sentence of up to life imprisonment. Death count up The death toll from the sinking of the fishing ship climbed to 82 on Tuesday, authorities informed. The boat with over 750 people onboard, including 100 children was bound for Italy hwn it sank. The testimonies have reportedly revealed that the boat's engine failed days before it sank. “We started the journey at dawn on Friday. Around 700 of us were on board,” a migrant told the coastguard as per The Guardian. “We were travelling for three days and then the engine failed.” Survivors say the boat was practically packed in every corner and had no lifeboats or any safety measures in place. Watch | Greece declares three days' mourning over migrant boat tragedy × Going by the assessment of one of the migrants on the boat, everyone paid at least $4,000 to $5,000 to undertake the voyage, meaning, the entire ship and its human cargo was worth in excess of $3.5 million. Pakistani migrants discriminated Even then, the Egyptian smugglers forced the Pakistani migrants to go below deck while other nationalities stayed on the upper deck where they stood a greater chance of surviving in the event the boat sank, which it did. Pakistani media is reporting that at least 298 Pakistanis died in the tragedy out of which 135 were from the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). Also read | Greece boat tragedy: Pakistanis were singled out to go below deck, says report The authorities fear that by the time the rescue operation concludes, the death toll could run into hundreds. "We are witnessing one of the biggest tragedies in the Mediterranean and the numbers announced by the authorities are devastating," the UN International Organization for Migration said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Court detains nine smuggling suspects in Greece migrant ship tragedy, death toll climbs to 82

Migrants from Pakistan appeared to have been singled out and forced to go below deck on the boat that sank off the Greek coast last Wednesday (June 14), Guardian has reported. Even today, about 500 people travelling in the boat are reportedly still missing. The Guardian reported that Pakistanis were forced to go below deck and other nationalities stayed on the upper deck where they stood a greater chance of surviving in the event the boat sank, which it did.

The news report also states some discrepancies in the claims made by surviving migrants and Greek authorities. The Guardian has cited leaked testimonies from the survivors to Greek coastguards to report the predicament of Pakistani nationals.

The testimonies from the survivors reportedly say that women and children were "locked up" in the hold below the deck under the pretext that they were to be 'protected' by men on the boat that was overcrowded. It is believed that no women or children were among the survivors.

According to The Observer, Pakistani nationals were mistreated by other nationalities when they searched for freshwater or tried to escape.

Pakistani media is reporting that at least 298 Pakistanis died in the tragedy out of which 135 were from the Pakistani side of Kashmir.

Watch | 300 Pakistani nationals missing in Greece boat tragedy

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Survivors have reportedly told the authorities that the situation on the boat was dire even before it capsized. There was a shortage of fresh water and six people had already died before the tragedy.

“I can testify that these people were asking to be saved by any authority,” said Nawal Soufi, a Moroccan-Italian social worker as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

The Greek government has said that passengers told the coastguard that they did not need any help and wanted to go to Italy.

The testimonies have reportedly revealed that the boat's engine failed days before it sank.

“We started the journey at dawn on Friday. Around 700 of us were on board,” a migrant told the coastguard as per The Guardian.

“We were travelling for three days and then the engine failed.”

<h2>Southern European countries face the influx</h2>

Greece, Italy and Spain have for long been the main landing points for thousands of people seeking to illegally enter Europe from Africa and West Asia.

Greece is also facing an increase in crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/greece-boat-capsizing-tragedy-hundreds-of-pakistanis-believed-to-be-among-dead-605697">Greece boat tragedy: Hundreds of Pakistanis believed to be among dead</a>

Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea.&nbsp;

Greece and other EU member states on the south and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing the arrivals of undocumented migrants.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Migrants from Pakistan appeared to have been singled out and forced to go below deck on the boat that sank off the Greek coast last Wednesday (June 14), Guardian has reported.

Migrants from Pakistan appeared to have been singled out and forced to go below deck on the boat that sank off the Greek coast last Wednesday (June 14), Guardian has reported. Even today, about 500 people travelling in the boat are reportedly still missing. The Guardian reported that Pakistanis were forced to go below deck and other nationalities stayed on the upper deck where they stood a greater chance of surviving in the event the boat sank, which it did. The news report also states some discrepancies in the claims made by surviving migrants and Greek authorities. The Guardian has cited leaked testimonies from the survivors to Greek coastguards to report the predicament of Pakistani nationals. The testimonies from the survivors reportedly say that women and children were "locked up" in the hold below the deck under the pretext that they were to be 'protected' by men on the boat that was overcrowded. It is believed that no women or children were among the survivors. According to The Observer, Pakistani nationals were mistreated by other nationalities when they searched for freshwater or tried to escape. Pakistani media is reporting that at least 298 Pakistanis died in the tragedy out of which 135 were from the Pakistani side of Kashmir. Watch | 300 Pakistani nationals missing in Greece boat tragedy × Survivors have reportedly told the authorities that the situation on the boat was dire even before it capsized. There was a shortage of fresh water and six people had already died before the tragedy. “I can testify that these people were asking to be saved by any authority,” said Nawal Soufi, a Moroccan-Italian social worker as quoted by The Guardian. The Greek government has said that passengers told the coastguard that they did not need any help and wanted to go to Italy. The testimonies have reportedly revealed that the boat's engine failed days before it sank. “We started the journey at dawn on Friday. Around 700 of us were on board,” a migrant told the coastguard as per The Guardian. “We were travelling for three days and then the engine failed.” Southern European countries face the influx Greece, Italy and Spain have for long been the main landing points for thousands of people seeking to illegally enter Europe from Africa and West Asia. Greece is also facing an increase in crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea. Also Read | Greece boat tragedy: Hundreds of Pakistanis believed to be among dead Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Greece and other EU member states on the south and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing the arrivals of undocumented migrants. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Greece boat tragedy: Pakistanis were singled out to go below deck, says report

Days after at least 78 migrants looking to enter Greece died when a boat capsized, over 300 Pakistani refugees on the ill-fated vessel are believed have been aboard and most of&nbsp;them&nbsp;killed. Only 78 bodies had been recovered after the boat capsized.

Official sources told WION that at least 150 Pakistanis are confirmed to be dead.&nbsp;

Reports claimed that nearly 100 kids could have been trapped in the ship's hold while 298 kids are still missing, according to Dunya News and News360.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-die-several-missing-after-boat-capsizes-and-sinks-off-greece-604406">At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece</a>

Over 700 refugees were reportedly on the boat which included over 300 from Pakistan, said reports.

Greek authorities said 104 survivors had been brought ashore so far.

 
Also watch |&nbsp;Greece: Migrant boat tragedy leaves hundreds missing

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Meanwhile, the Pakistani embassy in Greece issued a statement saying that its representatives have met the 12 Pakistani survivors in Kalamata from the June 15 disaster. Following that meet, DNA reports and identification reports have been obtained from the family members.

<h2>Pakistanis in Greece</h2>

In the 1970s, Greece and Pakistan signed a bilateral agreement allowing Pakistanis to gain temporary employment in Greek shipyards. Shortly after, another agreement facilitated the migration of Pakistanis to work in Greece’s textile industries.

The official number of Pakistanis in the country are stated to be around 50,000, the unofficial estimates that include the illegal migrants are as high as 400,000 to 500,000 that constitutes around 5 per cent of the total population in Greece.&nbsp;

Unlike most other countries, where migrants from India outnumber Pakistanis, Greece presents a different situation where the majority of people from South Asian origins are from Pakistan.

Most of the Pakistanis in the country were single, young men who had entered the country illegally with the help of human smugglers through the land route of Iran and Turkey to Greece

The four districts in Punjab, which had the largest share of migrants included Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin.

The UN estimates there are 680,000 migrants in Libya, some looking to travel by boat to Europe and others working full-time in Libya.&nbsp;

The UN’s international organisation for migration said nearly 3,800 people died on migration routes within and from the Middle East and north Africa region last year, the highest number since 2017.

<h2>Pakistan authorities arrest&nbsp;10 human traffickers</h2>

Meanwhile, Pakistan authorities are said to have arrested 10 alleged human traffickers after it emerged that many of the migrants and refugees who drowned off the coast of Greece were from the South Asian nation, officials said on Sunday.

As pwer an Al Jazeera report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered an immediate crackdown on agents engaged in people smuggling, saying they would be “severely punished”.

Young men, mostly from east&nbsp;Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, use the&nbsp;route through Iran, Libya, Turkey, and Greece to enter Europe for livelihood as Pakistan is battling an unprecedented economic and political crisis, the Al Jazeera report added.

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Days after at least 78 migrants looking to enter Greece died when a boat capsized, over 300 Pakistani refugees on the ill-fated vessel are believed have been aboard and most of them killed.

Days after at least 78 migrants looking to enter Greece died when a boat capsized, over 300 Pakistani refugees on the ill-fated vessel are believed have been aboard and most of them killed. Only 78 bodies had been recovered after the boat capsized. Official sources told WION that at least 150 Pakistanis are confirmed to be dead. Reports claimed that nearly 100 kids could have been trapped in the ship's hold while 298 kids are still missing, according to Dunya News and News360. Also read | At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece Over 700 refugees were reportedly on the boat which included over 300 from Pakistan, said reports. Greek authorities said 104 survivors had been brought ashore so far. Also watch | Greece: Migrant boat tragedy leaves hundreds missing × Meanwhile, the Pakistani embassy in Greece issued a statement saying that its representatives have met the 12 Pakistani survivors in Kalamata from the June 15 disaster. Following that meet, DNA reports and identification reports have been obtained from the family members. Pakistanis in Greece In the 1970s, Greece and Pakistan signed a bilateral agreement allowing Pakistanis to gain temporary employment in Greek shipyards. Shortly after, another agreement facilitated the migration of Pakistanis to work in Greece’s textile industries. The official number of Pakistanis in the country are stated to be around 50,000, the unofficial estimates that include the illegal migrants are as high as 400,000 to 500,000 that constitutes around 5 per cent of the total population in Greece. Unlike most other countries, where migrants from India outnumber Pakistanis, Greece presents a different situation where the majority of people from South Asian origins are from Pakistan. Most of the Pakistanis in the country were single, young men who had entered the country illegally with the help of human smugglers through the land route of Iran and Turkey to Greece The four districts in Punjab, which had the largest share of migrants included Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin. The UN estimates there are 680,000 migrants in Libya, some looking to travel by boat to Europe and others working full-time in Libya. The UN’s international organisation for migration said nearly 3,800 people died on migration routes within and from the Middle East and north Africa region last year, the highest number since 2017. Pakistan authorities arrest 10 human traffickers Meanwhile, Pakistan authorities are said to have arrested 10 alleged human traffickers after it emerged that many of the migrants and refugees who drowned off the coast of Greece were from the South Asian nation, officials said on Sunday. As pwer an Al Jazeera report, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered an immediate crackdown on agents engaged in people smuggling, saying they would be “severely punished”. Young men, mostly from east Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, use the route through Iran, Libya, Turkey, and Greece to enter Europe for livelihood as Pakistan is battling an unprecedented economic and political crisis, the Al Jazeera report added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Greece boat tragedy: Hundreds of Pakistanis believed to be among dead

Hundreds of people remain missing after a migrant ship went down off the south coast of Greece on Wednesday, as criticism mounted over Europe's years-long failure to prevent such tragedies.

Hundreds of Pakistani nationals drown in the sea

Greece boat disaster: Up to 500 people still missing says UN

Greek rescue authorities continued search efforts in the seas off Greece on Thursday, after a migrant boat sunk in the region a day earlier.

Greece: Migrant boat tragedy leaves hundreds missing

What we know about migrant tragedy off Greece

The Greek authorities have arrested nine survivors from the fishing boat that capsized and sank 80 kilometres off the country's coast. They have been arrested on suspicions of belonging to the smuggling ring that had arranged the fateful voyage.&nbsp;

The nine arrested are all Egyptian nationals and include the captain of the dilapidated vessel.&nbsp;They were rounded up from the port of Kalamata where the survivors are being cared for at the moment.&nbsp;

The arrests were a result of two days of interviews with the survivors, "cross-referencing the information and honing down the possibilities of who among the survivors might have been part of the trafficking ring that profited from this enterprise and the profits are enormous", according to an Al-Jazeera report.&nbsp;

The publication stated that going by the assessment of one of the migrants on the boat, everyone on board paid at least $4,000 to $5,000 to undertake the voyage,&nbsp;meaning, the entire ship and its human cargo was worth in excess of $3.5 million.&nbsp;

The boat was spotted in international waters late on Tuesday by an aircraft that belonged to the European Union border agency Frontex, around 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the town of Pylos in southern Greece, said the coast guard. The boat was headed to Italy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-die-several-missing-after-boat-capsizes-and-sinks-off-greece-604406">Also read |&nbsp;At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece</a>

As per AFP reports, the rescue operation included navy vessels, an army plane, a helicopter and six other boats that were in the area.

"Since very early Wednesday, an extensive rescue operation is underway off Pylos, after a fishing boat capsized with a large number of migrants onboard," the coast guard said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-declares-three-days-mourning-over-migrant-boat-tragedy-604817">Watch |&nbsp;Greece declares three days' mourning over migrant boat tragedy</a>

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<h2>100 children were onboard</h2>

The authorities fear that by the time the rescue operation concludes, the death toll could run into hundreds.&nbsp;

"We are witnessing one of the biggest tragedies in the Mediterranean and the numbers announced by the authorities are devastating," the UN International Organization for Migration said.&nbsp;

Survivors say the boat was practically packed in every corner and had no lifeboats or any safety measures in place. Some unconfirmed reports say as many as 750 people were onboard including 100 children.&nbsp;

“The fishing boat was 25-30 metres long. Its deck was full of people, and we assume the interior was just as full," a coastguard spokesperson said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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&nbsp;

The Greek authorities have arrested nine survivors from the fishing boat that capsized and sank 80 kilometres off the country's coast. They have been arrested on suspicions of belonging to the smuggling ring that had arranged the fateful voyage.

The Greek authorities have arrested nine survivors from the fishing boat that capsized and sank 80 kilometres off the country's coast. They have been arrested on suspicions of belonging to the smuggling ring that had arranged the fateful voyage. The nine arrested are all Egyptian nationals and include the captain of the dilapidated vessel. They were rounded up from the port of Kalamata where the survivors are being cared for at the moment. The arrests were a result of two days of interviews with the survivors, "cross-referencing the information and honing down the possibilities of who among the survivors might have been part of the trafficking ring that profited from this enterprise and the profits are enormous", according to an Al-Jazeera report. The publication stated that going by the assessment of one of the migrants on the boat, everyone on board paid at least $4,000 to $5,000 to undertake the voyage, meaning, the entire ship and its human cargo was worth in excess of $3.5 million. The boat was spotted in international waters late on Tuesday by an aircraft that belonged to the European Union border agency Frontex, around 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the town of Pylos in southern Greece, said the coast guard. The boat was headed to Italy. Also read | At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece As per AFP reports, the rescue operation included navy vessels, an army plane, a helicopter and six other boats that were in the area. "Since very early Wednesday, an extensive rescue operation is underway off Pylos, after a fishing boat capsized with a large number of migrants onboard," the coast guard said. Watch | Greece declares three days' mourning over migrant boat tragedy × 100 children were onboard The authorities fear that by the time the rescue operation concludes, the death toll could run into hundreds. "We are witnessing one of the biggest tragedies in the Mediterranean and the numbers announced by the authorities are devastating," the UN International Organization for Migration said. Survivors say the boat was practically packed in every corner and had no lifeboats or any safety measures in place. Some unconfirmed reports say as many as 750 people were onboard including 100 children. “The fishing boat was 25-30 metres long. Its deck was full of people, and we assume the interior was just as full," a coastguard spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nine Egyptian nationals arrested for trafficking after Greece migrant ship tragedy

A tragic incident has been reported from Greece, a boat carrying hundreds of immigrants capsized in Mediterranean waters. At least 79 migrants drowned in the incident and the authorities were able to rescue over a hundred people.

Greece boat tragedy: At least 79 drown in Greece's coast, hundreds of immigrants still missing

At least 78 migrants lost their lives after their boat capsized and sank off the Peloponnese early on Wednesday, said the country's coast guard.&nbsp;

As per the coastguard, more people are feared missing in the incident and the death toll is expected to rise.

According to the authorities, at least 104 people were rescued but it is not yet clear how many people were aboard the vessel when it capsized. The incident is deemed the deadliest in the country this year.

The boat was spotted in international waters late on Tuesday by an aircraft that belonged to the European Union border agency Frontex, around 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the town of Pylos in southern Greece, said the coast guard. The boat was en route to Italy.

It further said that the ones aboard the boat had denied assistance offered by Greek authorities late on Tuesday. A few hours later, the boat sank which prompted a search and rescue operation.

It later said that none of the people aboard the boat were wearing life jackets, and also did not disclose their nationalities immediately.

According to the state broadcaster ERT, it had sailed from the Libyan town of Tobruk. It further said that most of the people on board were young men in their 20s.&nbsp;

The survivors were taken to the town of Kalamata, said the authorities.

<h2>'There could have been hundreds&nbsp;of people on board the boat', says the Coast Guard</h2>

Citing a migration ministry source, AFP reported that as per the coast guard, there could have been "hundreds" of people on board the boat.

"We fear there will be a very large number of missing persons," the official said.

Taking to Twitter, the International Organization for Migration said that they fear&nbsp;more lives might have been&nbsp;lost in the tragic incident.

"We fear more lives were lost. Initial reports suggest up to 400 people were on board," the organisation tweeted.

As per AFP reports, the rescue operation included navy vessels, an army plane, a helicopter and six other boats that were in the area.

"Since very early Wednesday, an extensive rescue operation is underway off Pylos, after a fishing boat capsized with a large number of migrants onboard," the coast guard said.

According to an official, the migration ministry would begin looking for accommodation for the ones rescued after they are processed by the coast guard to determine gender and nationality.

Greece's port police said that on Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress off Crete with about 80 migrants on board was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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At least 78 migrants lost their lives after their boat capsized and sank off the Peloponnese early on Wednesday, said the country's coast guard. As per the coastguard, more people are feared missing in the incident and the death toll is expected to rise.

At least 78 migrants lost their lives after their boat capsized and sank off the Peloponnese early on Wednesday, said the country's coast guard. As per the coastguard, more people are feared missing in the incident and the death toll is expected to rise. According to the authorities, at least 104 people were rescued but it is not yet clear how many people were aboard the vessel when it capsized. The incident is deemed the deadliest in the country this year. The boat was spotted in international waters late on Tuesday by an aircraft that belonged to the European Union border agency Frontex, around 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the town of Pylos in southern Greece, said the coast guard. The boat was en route to Italy. It further said that the ones aboard the boat had denied assistance offered by Greek authorities late on Tuesday. A few hours later, the boat sank which prompted a search and rescue operation. It later said that none of the people aboard the boat were wearing life jackets, and also did not disclose their nationalities immediately. According to the state broadcaster ERT, it had sailed from the Libyan town of Tobruk. It further said that most of the people on board were young men in their 20s. The survivors were taken to the town of Kalamata, said the authorities. 'There could have been hundreds of people on board the boat', says the Coast Guard Citing a migration ministry source, AFP reported that as per the coast guard, there could have been "hundreds" of people on board the boat. "We fear there will be a very large number of missing persons," the official said. Taking to Twitter, the International Organization for Migration said that they fear more lives might have been lost in the tragic incident. "We fear more lives were lost. Initial reports suggest up to 400 people were on board," the organisation tweeted. As per AFP reports, the rescue operation included navy vessels, an army plane, a helicopter and six other boats that were in the area. "Since very early Wednesday, an extensive rescue operation is underway off Pylos, after a fishing boat capsized with a large number of migrants onboard," the coast guard said. According to an official, the migration ministry would begin looking for accommodation for the ones rescued after they are processed by the coast guard to determine gender and nationality. Greece's port police said that on Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress off Crete with about 80 migrants on board was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

At least 78 die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece

Deadliest ship wreck off the Greece coast kills 79, hundreds still missing

Greece has declared three days of mourning over a migrant boat sinking in the Ionian Sea feared to have claimed hundreds of lives. The Greek coastguard has so far recovered 79 bodies and rescued over 100, but survivors are claiming that up to 750 people were on board.

Greece declares three days' mourning over migrant boat tragedy

In recent days, there's been a surge in cyberattacks raising concerns about the vulnerability of digital infrastructure worldwide. This time Greece's Education Ministry has reported a major cyberattack and it is being described as the most extensive in the country's history.

Cyberattack in Greece: Education Ministry hit by major cyberattack, disrupts high school exams |WION

Greece will be heading for another round of legislative election on June 25, announced the Greek presidency on Monday. The decision comes after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' New Democracy party managed to trump the opponents in the polls held last week, but fell short of a majority.

Greece will be heading for another round of legislative election on June 25, announced the Greek presidency on Monday. The decision comes after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' New Democracy party managed to trump the opponents in the polls held last week, but fell short of a majority. Instead of cobbling up a coalition, the PM opted for new elections in hopes of getting absolute majority. "New elections will be held on June 25," read the presidential decree after the conservative party gained nearly 41 per cent of the vote share and won 146 seats of the 300-seat Hellenic Parliament, falling short of the majority by five seats. WATCH | Greece Elections 2023: Mitsotakis' new democracy party set for a crushing win × Mitsotakis intends to win full majority After the result was declared, Mitsotakis made it clear that he was not going to forge any coalitions. “I intend to return the exploratory mandate to you this afternoon so that we can hold elections, possibly even on June 25,” said Mitsotakis. “There are no conditions for the formation of a government.” "The people wanted the choice of a Greece run by a majority government and by New Democracy without the help of others," Mitsotakis had said in his victory speech. During the canvassing trail, Mitsotakis promised to build on his earlier work, having taken the country out of financial duress. Taking a leaf out of US President Joe Biden's book, Mitsotakis used the "Let’s finish what we started" slogan to attract the voters. Mitsotakis, 55, a Harvard-educated former banker was facing a stiff competitor in 48-year-old Alexis Tsipras, who heads the left-wing Syriza party and served as prime minister during some of the financial crisis’ most turbulent years. However, after the poll outcome, Tsipras described his party's performance as "extremely negative". Electoral rule changes in Greece Notably, four years ago, winning over 41 per cent of the vote would have easily allowed the party to form a government. However, changes in electoral rules mean that more than 45 per cent vote share is required as the winning party is no longer entitled to a 50-seat bonus in the first round. In the next ballot, scheduled to take place on June 25, the winner will obtain the bonus seats, facilitating the goal of securing a majority of at least 151 lawmakers. Notably, the May election was the first since the country was freed from the supervision of international lenders who had provided bailout funds over the last few years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Greece: New legislative elections to be held on June 25

Greece went to the parliamentary polls on Sunday (May 21) with 9.8 million registered voters looking to cast their votes to elect the next government. This is the first election since the country was freed from the supervision of international lenders who had provided bailout funds over the last few years.

Greece went to the parliamentary polls on Sunday (May 21) with 9.8 million registered voters looking to cast their votes to elect the next government. This is the first election since the country was freed from the supervision of international lenders who had provided bailout funds over the last few years. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, 55, a Harvard-educated former banker, and 48-year-old Alexis Tsipras, who heads the left-wing Syriza party and served as prime minister during some of the financial crisis’ most turbulent years, are the two main contenders in the fray. WATCH | Greek elections: Voting begins in parliamentary polls × Mitsotakis' ruling New Democracy party currently holds the aces with 159 seats in the 300-seat Hellenic Parliament. During the canvassing trail, Mitsotakis promised to build on his earlier work, having taken the country out of financial duress. Taking a leaf out of US President Joe Biden's book, Mitsotakis used the "Let’s finish what we started" slogan to attract the voters. He patted his own back by remarking that tax cuts delivered during his first term led to a three per cent annual growth and cut unemployment to less than eight per cent. The cost of living crisis has been one of the major poll planks with parties attempting to woo voters by offering to increase the minimum wage and create more jobs. Tsipras', particularly, has used the crisis to get the voters gravitated towards his party. A winner is highly unlikely The election, though, is highly unlikely to produce an outright winner as the political parties fail to agree to a coalition. A winner, however, is necessary, not because the country cannot afford to slip up on the economic scale anymore but also because the dispute with Turkey over maritime borders in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean is becoming increasingly fraught. Picture regarding the results will be cleared late in the night after a joint exit poll by six polling agencies is published. Meanwhile, opinion polls have predicted that Mitsotakis' party may sweep 35 per cent of votes, some six percentage points ahead of Tsipras’s Syriza party. Experts say 45 per cent of votes is required to clinch an outright majority. If no majority is reached, a second election will take place on July 2 and under the new electoral law, the winner will be given a boost of up to 50 of Parliament's 300 seats. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Greece votes in general election with chaotic outcome in offing

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