The EU regrets the death of more than 70 migrants due to the sinking of a boat off the coast of Syria

Sep. 24 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The European Union has expressed its sorrow at the death of 77 migrants – mostly Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian – after the sinking of the boat in which they were traveling off the coast of Syria.

“This new tragedy at sea is the worst recent ship sinking event involving migrants leaving the region,” the European External Action Service said in a statement released on Saturday.

The diplomatic body of the European Union has reiterated its support for the Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian peoples, and has emphasized its commitment to “help them overcome the crises they face” while assisting refugees and fighting against migrant smuggling.

The death toll from the sinking off the coast of Syria of a Lebanese-flagged boat with dozens of migrants that left Lebanon last week has risen to 77. The boat left the town of Minié days ago with more than a hundred people on board.

Rescue efforts continue in the area after some survivors indicated that the boat would carry some 150 people. The Syrian Ministry of Health issued an alert on Thursday to medical personnel and the emergency system, which is monitoring the rescue, which has been complicated by high waves in the area.