In a statement, the foreign ministry said the vessel had departed from one of the neighboring countries on 21 February carrying 50 irregular migrants, including 21 Egyptian nationals.
Of the Egyptians on board, 18 are still unaccounted for, while three were confirmed dead.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty directed the Egyptian Embassy in Athens to intensify contacts with relevant Greek authorities to follow up on the repercussions of the incident, ongoing search-and-recovery efforts, and to expedite the procedures necessary for repatriating the bodies to Egypt.
The ministry said the Egyptian Embassy in Athens is receiving the families and relatives of the deceased to arrange and finalize the procedures required to transfer the bodies to the homeland at the earliest possible opportunity.
The statement noted that the Egyptian Embassy in Athens continues to receive the families and relatives of the deceased to arrange and finalize the required procedures to facilitate their return to the homeland at the earliest possible opportunity.
The ministry reiterated its call on citizens to exercise the utmost caution, refrain from falling prey to irregular migration networks, and avoid traveling through illegal routes, regardless of motive, to safeguard their safety.
It also extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims of the tragic incident.
Irregular migration across the Mediterranean Sea has been a persistent challenge for Egypt and other North African countries, with many migrants, including Egyptian nationals, attempting dangerous sea crossings toward Europe in search of better economic prospects or asylum.
The Egyptian government has repeatedly warned citizens against engaging with smuggling networks and embarking on illegal routes, stressing that such journeys often involve unseaworthy vessels, perilous conditions, and a high risk of loss of life.
At least 606 migrants have been reported dead or missing in the Mediterranean Sea since the start of 2026, the UN migration agency said on Monday.
In December, another fatal crossing underscored these risks when a vessel carrying irregular migrants sank off the Greek island of Crete, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 Egyptian nationals.
Egyptian authorities coordinated with Greek officials on search-and-rescue operations, victim identification, and repatriation efforts.
Egypt has also emphasized its broader role in regional migration dynamics, hosting millions of refugees and advocating for safe and legal migration pathways, while urging enhanced international cooperation to address the humanitarian and security dimensions of irregular migration.
Egypt has sought to curb irregular migration since launching its national strategy in 2016, emphasizing that the country will not serve as a transit hub to Europe.
No migrant boats have departed from Egyptian shores since the strategy was implemented, despite the country hosting nearly 10 million foreigners, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from 133 countries, according the Egyptian authorities.
The policy has been expanded in recent years through the 2024–2026 national action plan led by the National Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons.
It also includes programmes such as the 2019 “Life Saving Boats” presidential initiative, which allocated EGP 250 million to create job opportunities in high-risk villages.
Egypt’s efforts have received international support, including from the European Union, which pledged 200 million euros in March 2024 to strengthen border management, search-and-rescue operations, and anti-smuggling capacities.
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