[1/5] A migrant is transferred by rescue personnel, following a rescue operation, after their boat capsized at open sea, in Kalamata, Greece, June 14, 2023.
Eurokinissi via REUTERSATHENS, June 14 (Reuters) - At least 59 migrants drowned early on Wednesday and more were feared missing after their overloaded boat capsized and sank off Greece in the country's deadliest shipwreck this year, the coast guard said.
"We fear the number of dead will rise," said a shipping ministry official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
A coast guard vessel then approached the boat, which was en route to Italy, and offered help.
The large number of migrants on its outer deck "refused assistance and stated their desire to continue their voyage," the coast guard said.
Persons:
Karolina Tagaris, Sharon Singleton, John Stonestreet
Organizations:
Eurokinissi, REUTERS, EU, Frontex, State, ERT, European Union, United Nations, Thomson
Locations:
Kalamata, Greece, REUTERS ATHENS, Pylos, Italy, Libyan, Tobruk, Crete, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, East, Asia, Africa, Turkey, Spain, Malta, Cyprus