At least eight people tragically drowned after a boat carrying migrants capsized while crossing the Drina river from Serbia to Bosnia. The incident was reported to Serbian police around 5 a.m. by their Bosnian counterparts and a concerned citizen. Out of the 25 individuals on board, 18 migrants, including three children, managed to make it to Bosnia safely.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the Drina river and surrounding areas to locate any missing individuals. Of the 18 migrants who reached shore, 16 are from Syria and two are from Egypt, with 10 of them being minors.
Initial reports suggested there were approximately 30 people on the boat, with 15 individuals successfully reaching safety. However, the exact number of passengers remains unconfirmed.
Migrants utilizing the Balkan land route to access Western Europe typically travel through Serbia from Bulgaria or North Macedonia before continuing their journey to Hungary, Croatia, or Bosnia. Many individuals fleeing conflict and poverty rely on human smugglers to facilitate their unauthorized border crossings in pursuit of a better life in wealthier European nations.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers faced by migrants seeking refuge and opportunities in Europe, highlighting the risks associated with irregular migration routes and the exploitation by criminal networks. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
For more updates on migration-related news, please visit AP's migration coverage.
