Dozens of refugees believed dead after boat sinks in Greek waters

2021's death toll from central Mediterranean crossings likely to hit 1,500 as coastguard says survivors unlikely

Greek authorities have said dozens of refugees are believed dead after a boat carrying as many as 50 people, according to one witness, sank off the island of Folegandros, in the second major loss of life in the Mediterranean within days of people desperately trying to reach Europe.

Almost 24 hours after the rescue operation was launched late Tuesday, coastguard officials said it was unlikely that survivors from the shipwreck would be found.