The statement noted that the Egyptian Embassy in Athens continues to receive the families and relatives of the deceased to arrange and finalize the required procedures to facilitate their return 

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday that three Egyptians died, and 18 others remain missing after an irregular migration boat sank while heading to Greece.  after a wooden boat carrying dozens of illegal migrants capsized in waters south of Greece's largest island Crete In a statement, the foreign ministry said the vessel had departed from one of the neighboring countries on 21 February carrying 50 irregular migrants, including 21 Egyptian nationals.

According to Greek public broadcaster ERT

According to Greek public broadcaster ERT, an accident occurred when the commercial vessel approached the migrants’ boat. Twenty migrants were rescued by the commercial vessel, according to the Greek authorities, leaving several people still unaccounted for. Of the Egyptians on board, 18 are still unaccounted for, while three were confirmed dead. The body of a 28-year-old Sudanese woman was also discovered, according to the Greek coast guard. 

Arrested two Sudanese men

As the passengers tried to climb up ladders into the rescue vessel, a sudden movement caused the wooden boat to capsize. Meanwhile Greek authorities arrested two Sudanese men suspected of being people smugglers who are set to appear before judges on Wednesday, according to local media Creta24.

Intensify contacts with relevant Greek authorities 

On the other hand Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty directed the Egyptian Embassy in Athens to intensify contacts with relevant Greek authorities to follow up on the repercussions of the incident, ongoing search-and-recovery efforts, and to expedite the procedures necessary for repatriating the bodies to Egypt.

Receiving the families and relatives of the deceased

The ministry said the Egyptian Embassy in Athens is receiving the families and relatives of the deceased to arrange and finalize the procedures required to transfer the bodies to the homeland at the earliest possible opportunity. The statement noted that the Egyptian Embassy in Athens continues to receive the families and relatives of the deceased to arrange and finalize the required procedures to facilitate their return to the homeland at the earliest possible opportunity.

Refrain from falling prey to irregular migration networks

The ministry reiterated its call on citizens to exercise the utmost caution, refrain from falling prey to irregular migration networks, and avoid traveling through illegal routes, regardless of motive, to safeguard their safety.It also extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims of the tragic incident.

The Egyptian government has repeatedly warned citizens against engaging with smuggling networks and embarking on illegal routes, stressing that such journeys often involve unseaworthy vessels, perilous conditions, and a high risk of loss of life.

Irregular migration across the Mediterranean Sea 

Irregular migration across the Mediterranean Sea has been a persistent challenge for Egypt and other North African countries, with many migrants, including Egyptian nationals, attempting dangerous sea crossings toward Europe in search of better economic prospects or asylum.

Just two months into 2026, at least 606 migrants have already been reported dead or missing along the Mediterranean route, according to the Missing Migrants Project of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This marks the deadliest start to a year in the Mediterranean since IOM began recording such data in 2014.

IOM has warned that trafficking and smuggling networks continue to exploit migrants along the Central Mediterranean route, stressing that stronger international cooperation and protection-centered responses are key to tackling these criminal networks and expanding safe and regular pathways to reduce risks and save lives

Meanwhile At least 606 migrants have been reported dead or missing in the Mediterranean Sea since the start of 2026, the UN migration agency said on Monday.

Egypt’s efforts 

Egypt’s efforts have received international support, including from the European Union, which pledged 200 million euros in March 2024 to strengthen border management, search-and-rescue operations, and anti-smuggling capacities It also includes programmes such as the 2019 “Life Saving Boats” presidential initiative, which allocated EGP 250 million to create job opportunities in high-risk villages.

Related :Another disaster in the Med: : Four dead as two migrant boats capsize off Libya

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