Tragedy strikes Drina River as migrant boat capsizes, nine bodies recovered

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The Drina River, a natural border between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, was the scene of another heart-wrenching tragedy on Thursday. A boat carrying at least 25 migrants capsized, leaving several missing and four confirmed dead.

Rescuers recovered the bodies as the search continued for those still unaccounted for. The boat overturned near the Serbian border town of Ljubovija early Thursday morning.

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed that Serbian border police received alerts from Bosnian authorities and a local resident about the capsizing.

Eighteen survivors, including three children, were found on the riverbank. Search teams continued their efforts to locate the remaining missing persons.

The initial reports suggested that four bodies have been recovered.

"Four bodies were discovered near Serbia and were subsequently handed over to the Serbian police. Our team is continuing the search," said Boris Trninic, the head of the regional department of the civil administration in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

However, according to the latest report by the Bosnian officials, now the human losses has raised to nine. This number could still potentially increase.

This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants taking the "Balkan route" to reach the European Union. Serbia, strategically located bordering four EU member states, remains a key transit point.

Despite Serbia's recent agreement with Frontex, the European border agency, aimed at enhancing border control, tragedies like this persist. The Drina River has tragically claimed dozens of lives in recent years.

While the number of migrants taking the "Balkan route" has slightly decreased compared to 2022, the journey continues to be fraught with peril, particularly for vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and humane solutions to address the challenges faced by migrants and to prevent further loss of life.