A devastating tragedy unfolded on Thursday morning when a boat carrying migrants capsized on the Drina River, which borders Serbia and Bosnia. The vessel, carrying between 25 and 30 migrants, overturned in the early hours of the day, resulting in the loss of eleven lives. Among the victims were eight Syrian nationals, two Egyptians, and one Iraqi, all of whom drowned in the river while attempting to reach Western Europe. The incident has heightened concerns about the dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe through the Balkan land route.
According to Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, the boat was carrying migrants who were trying to reach Western Europe. However, their perilous journey across the Drina River ended in tragedy when they failed to navigate the treacherous waters. Rescue efforts were hampered by the river’s rapid changes in water levels, caused by nearby hydropower plants. Ten bodies, including that of a mother and her baby, were recovered, while 18 migrants managed to make it to safety.
The latest addition to the toll was the body of an “irregular migrant” discovered on the Bosnian side of the river, which authorities believe is the last missing person from the tragedy. The incident has sent shockwaves through the migrant community, who often turn to people smugglers to navigate the treacherous journey across borders without authorization. For many migrants, the journey to Western Europe is a desperate attempt to flee wars and poverty in their home countries.
Tragedy on the Drina River (Image via Getty)
The victims of the Drina River tragedy were, in most cases, fleeing conflicts and poverty in search of a better life in wealthier European countries. Many migrants use Serbia as a transit country, coming from Bulgaria or North Macedonia before moving on to Hungary, Croatia, or Bosnia. However, the perilous journey often results in devastating consequences, as seen in this tragic incident. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved in attempting to cross the Drina River, which is notorious for its treacherous currents.
Vladan Rankic, the head of the search and rescue team, warned that the river is extremely hazardous, especially at night, and even more so for those who are unfamiliar with its currents. He emphasized that the crossing is not safe, and the recent tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved. The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of safe and legal migration routes, and the need for increased cooperation between countries to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
