Some 500 people are still unaccounted for after a fishing boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Greece. 

At least 78 people have died after the overcrowded vessel got into difficulty and sank 45 miles off the coast of Greece in the early hours of Wednesday. 

Greek authorities confirmed they have rescued 104 men – while 500 remain unaccounted for.  

Authorities fear women and children were trapped on the lower deck and dragged down into the water when the boat sank. 

Reports from witnesses suggest there were up to 750 people on the fishing boat.

Routes into Europe

Irish MEP Grace O’Sullivan questioned why the EU has not acted faster to avoid this “tragedy”.  

“We have talked about safe routes into Europe for years, for migrants coming from Africa, from Syria, from Afghanistan,” she said.  

“We are failing miserably.” 

Investigation

An investigation is to take place examining the circumstances that eventually led to the boat capsizing. 

The International Organization for Migration and UN Refugee Agency welcomed the investigation, saying any search and rescue action "should be conducted in a manner consistent with the obligation to prevent loss of life at sea”. 

The Greek coastguard previously said it acted in accordance with international law, because the boat was in international waters. 

Ms O’Sullivan said a nearby boat should have done something to help the overcrowded vessel.

“They should have been able to acknowledge straightaway as seafarers that ship was absolutely full with people,” she said. 

“They should have known clearly that the people on board that vessel were not seafarers, that they were migrants planning to seek passage into the EU.” 

Main image: A search boat with the Hellenic Coastguard. Image via the Hellenic Coastguard