Still no sign of survivors after Mediterranean disaster Search already stopped: American adventurer rescued after two weeks on the open sea

After the serious boat accident that probably killed several hundred in the Mediterranean Sea, there is still no trace of other survivors or dead. This was announced by the Greek coastguard four days after the sinking of the completely overcrowded fishing trawler in international waters on Sunday in Piraeus. According to official figures, 104 people survived. 78 bodies were recovered. The figures are unchanged since Wednesday, the day of the accident.

Despite the extremely small chance of success, the search continued in wind force six. A Hellenic Navy frigate and a Coast Guard helicopter were also involved. Passing ships were ordered to keep an eye out.

The fishing boat, which was occupied by 500 to 700 migrants, sank en route from Libya to Europe. According to the Coast Guard, many people were below deck and were taken down by boat. The accident site, some 50 nautical miles southwest of the Peloponnese peninsula, lies directly above the Calypso layer – at over 5,000 meters the deepest point in the Mediterranean Sea. The fishing boat can never be found.

Nine Egyptians were arrested as suspected smugglers. They will be presented to the public prosecutor on Monday. Athens suspects that the arrested smugglers are “of low rank”. The masterminds would have their headquarters in Egypt, other smugglers are suspected in Italy. The gang is said to have organized 18 such crossings from North Africa to Italy in recent months, according to the coast guard in Piraeus. (aeg/sda/dpa)