22 migrants die off Greece, 21 Bangladeshis among survivors

At least 22 migrants have died off the coast of Greece after spending six days adrift in the Mediterranean Sea in a rubber boat, according to survivors.

The Hellenic Coast Guard said 26 people were rescued late Friday by a vessel operated by Frontex near the island of Crete, reports AFP. 

The rescued group included one woman and one minor.

Among the survivors were 21 Bangladeshis, along with four South Sudanese nationals and one Chadian citizen. Two injured individuals were taken to a hospital in Heraklion for treatment.

Authorities said the boat had departed on March 21 from Tobruk in eastern Libya, heading towards Greece-a key entry point for migrants seeking asylum in the European Union. During the journey, the vessel reportedly lost direction and drifted at sea without food or water.

Survivors told officials that those who died succumbed to exhaustion, dehydration and harsh weather conditions. They also alleged that the bodies were thrown into the sea on the orders of traffickers.

Greek authorities have arrested two South Sudanese men, aged 19 and 22, suspected of being involved in human trafficking. They are currently under investigation on charges including illegal entry and negligent homicide.

The incident highlights a sharp rise in migrant deaths in the Mediterranean. Data from the International Organization for Migration shows that 559 people died in January and February this year-more than double the figure recorded during the same period last year.

In a separate incident in December, 17 migrants were found dead on a sinking boat southwest of Crete, with only two survivors rescued and at least 15 others reported missing.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament has recently approved stricter migration measures, including plans for “return hubs” to send migrants to non-EU countries-proposals that have drawn criticism from human rights groups.