Greece: Death Toll from Migrant Boat Sinking Rose to 78

The Greek Coast Guard announced Wednesday that the death toll from the sinking of a migrant boat off the southern coast of the country has risen to at least 78.

The ill-starred rickety boat was boarding hundreds of illegal immigrants but 104 were rescued and then transferred to Greek hospitals

Search operations are still ongoing with the participation of six coast guard ships, a navy frigate, an army plane, and a helicopter, in addition to a number of private vessels.

The accident occurred 75 km southwest of the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece.

Greece and other countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea are witnessing more attempts of illegal immigration from African countries bordering the Mediterranean towards the European continent to escape the pressures of civil wars and economic crises afflicting African countries.