In a tragic incident off the southern Greek coast, eighteen migrants have drowned after their boat capsized near the island of Chrysi, according to a coast guard official on Saturday. Two individuals were rescued from the sea, officials added.

The boat was initially detected by a Turkish cargo ship that reported the situation to Greek authorities. Those rescued from the water are being taken to the island of Crete for assistance, the official said. In 2015-16, Greece was at the forefront of a migration crisis.

Although migration flows have decreased in recent years, the past year has witnessed a surge in migrant boats primarily from Libya, aiming for Greek islands such as Crete, Gavdos, and Chrysi. Fatal accidents involving these vessels remain tragically common.

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