File Photo: handout image provided by Greece's coast guard scores of people on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. AP
The embassy said all procedures related to the return of the victims’ bodies had been finalised and that the remains were handed over to their families in Egypt.
The boat sank on 7 December while carrying irregular migrants, killing at least 34 people, according to official statements. Fourteen of the victims were Egyptian nationals.
Following the incident, the embassy stated that it had coordinated with Greek authorities to identify the victims, complete forensic and legal procedures, and arrange the repatriation process. It added that it had provided consular support to survivors and the families of those killed.
The embassy explained that it can be contacted by phone during official working hours, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm, on +30 212 000 2703, via the emergency WhatsApp number +30 693 600 1026, or by email at [email protected].
The Egyptian foreign ministry said at the time it had instructed the embassy to offer full assistance to those affected and to liaise with Greek officials throughout the investigation and recovery efforts. It also reiterated warnings against irregular migration routes, citing the risks they pose to lives.
Egypt has sought to curb irregular migration since launching a national strategy in 2016, aimed at preventing departures from its coastline and reducing the use of the country as a transit route to Europe.
Egyptian authorities say no migrant boats have departed from Egyptian shores since the strategy was implemented, despite the country hosting millions of foreigners, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.
The strategy has been expanded through a 2024–2026 national action plan led by the National Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons. Related initiatives include the Lifeboats Initiative, launched in 2019, which focuses on job creation in communities considered most vulnerable to irregular migration.
Egypt’s migration control efforts have received international backing, including financial support from the European Union (EU) aimed at border management, search-and-rescue operations, and counter-smuggling measures.
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