A shipwreck near the Greek island of Samos led to the deaths of eight migrants, highlighting the ongoing challenges of irregular migration in the region.
Samos and nearby Aegean islands are key transit points for migrants entering the European Union illegally from Turkey. Over 54,000 migrants have entered Greece illegally in 2024.
Many face dangerous journeys in unsafe, overcrowded boats, including riskier Mediterranean routes from Libya.
The Island of Samos is in Greece, located on the Eastern Aegean Sea just 1,700 meters from the Asia Minor Turkish Coast.
Asia Minor or Anatolia is the westernmost part of Asia, which makes up the majority of modern-day Turkey.
Samos Island is home to the fortified ancient city (Pythagoreion) and ancient Temple of Hera (Heraion) of Samos, a UNESCO Heritage Site. It is also the birthplace of Pythagoras (Greek philosopher and mathematician)
