Egypt Coordinates with Greece to Recover Bodies of Migrant Boat Victims

Egyptian authorities are coordinating with their Greek counterparts to obtain information regarding the recent sinking of a boat carrying Egyptian migrants, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. The efforts aim to identify the victims, repatriate their remains, and determine the status of those who were rescued.

Egypt's Ambassador to Greece, Omar Amer, met with relatives of the victims at the embassy to express condolences, the ministry said. The meeting addressed concerns about the embassy's efforts to follow up on the incident, arrange the return of bodies, and monitor the condition of rescued citizens.

The ministry had previously announced that 21 Egyptians were among approximately 50 migrants aboard a boat that sank en route to Greece from a neighboring country. Eighteen Egyptians remain missing, while the deaths of three have been confirmed.

Ambassador Amer emphasized that the embassy has been in constant contact with Greek authorities since the incident to gather data on survivors and the deceased in order to inform their families. He urged Egyptians to avoid unofficial channels offering assistance with travel or employment abroad.

The ambassador reiterated warnings against illegal migration and its inherent dangers, stating, "The time has come to completely stop attempts at illegal immigration, which have caused the loss of many of Egypt's finest youth." He expressed hope that this incident would be the last and emphasized the importance of adhering to legal and safe migration pathways.

Amer highlighted seasonal employment agreements as a safe and legal avenue for obtaining work opportunities, noting that the embassy is currently working with the Greek side, which welcomes Egyptian workers due to their good reputation.

The ambassador welcomed Egyptians to share their concerns and requests, calling for regular meetings to address their problems and raise them with the Greek authorities.

In December, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry reported the deaths of 14 Egyptians in a similar boat sinking incident near Crete, involving 34 migrants of various nationalities.