The recent migrant shipwreck off the coast of Greece is being called the "worst ever tragedy" in the Mediterranean Sea by the European Union’s migration chief, Ylva Johansson. The disaster, which occurred last week, highlights a sharp increase in migrant crossings originating from eastern Libya.

With estimates of up to 750 individuals aboard the ill-fated vessel, the scale of the tragedy is immense. While over 100 survivors have been rescued, 82 bodies have been recovered, leaving hundreds more unaccounted for. Johansson, speaking at a press conference in Stockholm, pointed to a significant shift in migration patterns, noting a 600% surge along the route from eastern Libya to the EU, primarily Italy, since the beginning of the year.

The vessel, believed to be an empty fishing boat, reportedly journeyed from Egypt to eastern Libya to pick up the migrants before undertaking the perilous journey towards Europe. While the exact number of passengers remains unconfirmed, Johansson emphasized the potential for this to be the deadliest incident ever recorded in the Mediterranean.

Greece has faced criticism for not intervening before the ship sank in international waters. Greek authorities maintain that the passengers declined assistance, insisting on reaching Italy. They argue that evacuating such a large number of people from an overcrowded vessel would have presented significant safety risks. Nine Egyptian men, suspected crew members of the ship, are currently in custody in Greece, facing charges ranging from manslaughter to causing a shipwreck.

Johansson stressed the urgent need for increased efforts to prevent similar tragedies, highlighting the exploitation of migrants by smugglers who profit from these dangerous voyages.