Tragedy struck on the Drina River as at least nine migrants lost their lives when their boat capsized while attempting to cross from Serbia to Bosnia. The incident, which occurred near the border town of Ljubovija, also left several others missing, including a mother and a baby.
Authorities confirmed that 18 migrants, including three children, safely reached the Bosnian side of the border, but the search is still ongoing for those unaccounted for. Teams from both countries are scouring the river, which in parts can be up to 200 meters wide, in hopes of finding survivors.
Local media reports indicate that a search is also underway for the smuggler responsible for transporting the migrants across the river. Vlada Rankic, leader of the civil defence rescue team, expressed little hope for finding survivors, adding to the somber mood surrounding the tragic event.
This incident sheds light on the dangers faced by migrants seeking to cross into Europe through the Western Balkans route. Serbia and Bosnia have been key transit countries for migrants, with over a million people from Asia and Africa passing through Serbia since the refugee crisis of 2015.
While the number of migrants transiting through Serbia has decreased in recent years, the risks and challenges remain for those attempting the perilous journey. Tighter cooperation between Serbian authorities, Austrian police, and Frontex has helped reduce illegal entries, but many still rely on smugglers to navigate their way into EU member states.
As the search for the missing individuals continues, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by migrants seeking a better life in Europe.
