The government of Egypt has confirmed that 18 of its citizens remain missing after a migrant boat capsized off the Greek island of Crete last week, leaving four people dead.
According to reports, the wooden vessel was carrying about 50 migrants, including four minors, when Greece’s coast guard was alerted late Friday.
Greek authorities subsequently dispatched a commercial vessel to assist in rescue efforts at the scene.
Local media reported that the accident occurred as passengers attempted to climb ladders onto the approaching rescue vessel. The sudden shift in weight reportedly caused the overcrowded wooden boat to capsize.
In a statement, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry disclosed that 21 Egyptians were on board at the time of the incident. Three have been confirmed dead, while 18 others remain unaccounted for.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the fate of the missing passengers.
