3 Egyptians dead, 18 missing after migrant boat sinks en route to Greece: Foreign ministry

CAIRO – 25 February 2026: Egypt has confirmed the deaths of at least three nationals after a migrant boat sank this week while en route to Greece with dozens of irregular migrants onboard.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring the incident, which involved 50 irregular migrants, including 21 Egyptians, three of whom have died and 18 remain missing.

The ministry is intensifying coordination with Greek authorities to support ongoing search efforts and expedite the repatriation of the deceased.

The Egyptian Embassy in Athens is facilitating arrangements to transfer the bodies back to Egypt as quickly as possible.

The ministry renewed its warning to Egyptian citizens to exercise utmost caution, avoid illegal migration networks, and refrain from irregular travel, regardless of the motives, to ensure their safety.

Greek authorities reported that three migrants died and 20 others were rescued after their wooden boat capsized off the Greek island of Crete on Saturday, according to AFP.

Greek public broadcaster ERT said the boat overturned during a sudden movement as passengers attempted to climb ladders onto a commercial vessel dispatched to the area by the Greek Search and Rescue Center.

Survivors reported that about 50 people were onboard. Search operations are ongoing, involving patrol boats, vessels, and an aircraft.