22 migrants die off Greek coast after six days at sea

Greek coastguards rescued 26 survivors Friday from a rubber boat off Greece's coast, but 22 others died during the six-day journey, according to those pulled from the vessel. The survivors—including a woman and a minor—were attempting to reach Europe when they were rescued, having endured extreme conditions in an overcrowded, unseaworthy craft. The deaths underscore the deadly risks migrants face crossing the Mediterranean, a route that has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. Migrant fatalities attempting to reach EU territory have more than doubled in the first two months of 2026, signaling a surge in dangerous crossing attempts. The incident reflects ongoing humanitarian and security challenges facing Greece and other European nations along major migration routes.