In one of Europe's worst migrant disasters, a fishing boat sank off southern Greece, resulting in the loss of at least 78 lives. Survivors suggest that up to 100 children may have been on board the vessel, which reportedly carried around 750 people. Nine individuals, including Egyptians, have been arrested on suspicion of people trafficking.

The Greek coastguard has faced criticism for not intervening earlier, despite their claims of offering aid that was refused. Rescue operations continue, but chances of finding more survivors diminish. The boat had departed from Egypt, stopped in Libya to pick up migrants bound for Italy, and was found overcrowded with people. Medical professionals treating survivors reported a significant number of women and children in the ship's hold.

Dr. Manolis Makaris, the head of cardiology, shared that survivors informed him about the presence of children and women in the lower part of the ship. According to accounts from two patients, one estimated around 100 children while the other mentioned approximately 50, indicating a significant number of minors on board.

Dr. Makaris expressed uncertainty about the precise figures but emphasized that the count was substantial. In his assessment, he believed that the tragedy could have claimed the lives of up to 600 individuals. He further stated that everyone he spoke to mentioned a consistent total of 750 people on the boat.

The tragedy of the fishing boat sinking off southern Greece has brought to light the potential presence of a significant number of children on board, as reported by survivors and corroborated by testimonies from various sources. The exact figure of children remains unverified, but estimates range from 50 to 100.

Families of missing Egyptian children have even reached out to a doctor, sending photographs in hopes of identifying their young relatives. The Greek government acknowledges that people are often locked in the ship's hold by smugglers to exert control. This devastating event has prompted calls for action and prevention to ensure such tragedies do not occur again in the future.

In the aftermath of the tragic boat sinking, families of the missing individuals have arrived in Kalamata, Greece, desperately searching for their loved ones. Aftab, who traveled from the UK, shared that he had at least four relatives from Pakistan who were unaccounted for. While they managed to locate one relative in the rescue center, they are still awaiting news about the others.

Another heartbroken individual, Kassam Abozeed, a Syrian man from the Netherlands, revealed that his wife and brother-in-law were among the missing. Authorities are diligently searching for their bodies in the sea, scouring hospitals, and examining both the deceased and survivors in their efforts to provide answers.

The distress call from the fishing boat was first raised by activist Nawal Soufi after being contacted by people on board. The Greek coastguard acknowledged initial contact but stated that no request for help was made. Two commercial ships provided water, but the situation became complicated when another ship approached, causing fear and fights over water on the boat.

The boat eventually moved away and later experienced engine failure, leading to its capsizing. All 104 rescued individuals were male. Alarm Phone criticized the coastguard for delays in providing assistance despite prior knowledge of the boat's distress from multiple sources.

The Greek coastguard spokesperson stated that they tried to convince the distressed vessel to seek help and were ready to provide assistance if needed. Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited the survivors and learned that the coastguard instructed the vessel to follow them but encountered difficulties with throwing a rope, leading to the vessel's swaying and subsequent sinking.

Greece is observing a period of mourning, with political campaigning suspended and demonstrations held in protest. The country serves as a major entry point for migrants and refugees into the European Union. Last month, Greece faced criticism for alleged incidents of forceful expulsion of migrants at sea.