Peregraf
In yet another harrowing migrant tragedy, a Kurdish mother and her nine-month-old daughter drowned in the Aegean Sea on their journey to Europe. The boat carrying the family sank early on the morning of November 28, 2024, near the Greek island of Samos.
According to survivors, the overloaded boat, meant to carry 15 passengers, was carrying 32 migrants when it capsized. Half of the passengers were rescued by the Greek coast guard, while the others drowned or remain missing.
A Family's Nightmare
The grieving father, Kawez Sa’dullah, who survived the accident, described the horrifying moment his family’s life changed forever.
"We boarded the boat at 11:00 p.m. The smuggler overloaded it. As we approached Samos, Greek police turned on their lights. In a panic, the smuggler sped toward the island and then fled, leaving us to fend for ourselves," Kawez recalled.
Fighting back tears, he shared his heartbreak: "My nine-month-old baby died in front of me. My wife drowned. I am losing my mind. May God give me strength to bear this."
Kawez’s wife, Naila Mustafa Soorchi, and their infant daughter were among those who perished. Originally from the Saruchawa district in the Raperin administration, Naila’s decision to join her husband on this perilous journey came despite her family’s objections.
"My in-laws tried to stop her," Kawez said. "They argued with her for 40 nights, begging her not to leave. But she insisted. Now I don’t know how to tell them that their daughter has drowned."
Rising Migrant Deaths
This tragedy highlights the ongoing crisis of illegal migration from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Thousands of Kurds, desperate for a better future, attempt dangerous sea crossings each year, many of which end in catastrophe.
According to Lutka Agency for Refugee Affairs, the boat involved in this tragedy carried over 30 migrants. "Sixteen people have been rescued, and two are confirmed dead. The exact number of missing persons remains unclear as search efforts by the Greek coast guard continue," the agency reported.
Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that 3,041 migrants died or went missing in the Mediterranean in 2023 alone. This represents a stark increase from previous years, with thousands more risking the treacherous journey in 2024.
A Political Turning Point
On the same day as the Aegean tragedy, the United Kingdom signed a historic security agreement with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to combat illegal migration and people smuggling. This agreement, part of UK Prime Minister Kieran Stammer’s strategy, aims to address the root causes of migration and dismantle the smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
The agreement includes:
• £300,000 for law enforcement training in Iraq to combat organized immigration crime.
• £200,000 for border security in the Kurdistan Region, including the creation of a specialized task force.
• A joint campaign to counter smuggling misinformation spread by criminal networks.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "We are sending a clear message to smuggling gangs: their operations will not go unchallenged. We will work across borders to disrupt their activities and save lives."
Migration from Kurdistan: A Growing Concern
Since 2015, nearly 650,000 Iraqis, including many from the Kurdistan Region, have sought asylum in Europe. The KRG estimates that more than 5,000 people attempted to migrate in the first seven months of 2024, with at least 43 deaths reported.
Most migrants start their journey in Turkey, entering on tourist visas before embarking on treacherous sea routes to Europe. Italy and Greece remain common entry points, but these crossings are fraught with danger.
As the UK and other nations strengthen their efforts to combat illegal migration, stories like that of Kawez Sa’dullah and his family serve as stark reminders of the human cost of these perilous journeys. For many, the hope for a better life ends in unspeakable tragedy.