12 migrants, including an infant, die after two boat accidents off Greece

On 19 October 2026, two separate maritime incidents near the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos claimed the lives of 12 migrants, among them an infant. In the first case, a small vessel capsized after colliding with a Greek coast‑guard boat near Lesbos. The second tragedy occurred north of Samos, where a different boat overturned in rough seas. Authorities rescued a handful of survivors; two of those rescued were taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in migrant smuggling. The incidents highlight the ongoing dangers faced by people attempting the perilous crossing to Europe.