The coast guard said that it had arrested nine survivors on suspicion of belonging to the smuggling ring that arranged the voyage. The chances of finding more survivors “are minimal,” retired Greek coast guard Admiral Nikos Spanos told ERT. The Greek coast guard said it was notified of the boat’s presence late Tuesday morning and observed by helicopter that it was “sailing on a steady course” at 6pm. About 40 minutes later, according to the coast guard statement, the migrant vessel began to rock violently and sank. “Consider also that an intervention by the coast guard could have placed an overloaded vessel in danger, which could capsize as a result,” he said.

Source: Libya Today June 15, 2023 22:05 UTC