More Than 500 People Died in a Horrific Shipwreck While Seeking Asylum and Safety

Off the coast of Greece, more than 500 refugees and migrants are likely dead after a ship bound for Italy sank in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Greek coast guard was aware the ship was experiencing problems, including overcrowding, lack of food and water, and possible engine failure issues. But it claims the captain "denied assistance" and therefore coast guard members just sat by and watched the ship go down, with hundreds of screaming humans on board.

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Evidence indicates that upwards of 750 people were on board the boat, including children, parents, and families. So far, authorities have rescued only around 104 survivors, presuming the rest have all drowned.

This tragedy is now the second most deadly shipwreck of migrants and refugees in all of recorded world history. It only happened because people were facing such dire conditions in their countries of origin, they felt they had no other choice but to endure a risky voyage in the hopes of reaching a better life.

Asylum policies in the European Union remain extremely rigid, and with officials cracking down on migration. This has left desperate families with few options besides these dangerous sea voyages. According to Eftychia Georgiadi of the International Rescue Committee: "Nobody embarks on these treacherous journeys unless they feel they have no other option."

Under international maritime law, Greek authorities were required to intervene and attempt to rescue the passengers on board due to the multiple unsafe conditions. But the coast guard is maintaining that it did nothing wrong by holding back and watching families sink and drown.

International authorities must hold the Greek government accountable for its failure to intervene and save these 750 lives. Additionally, the European Union must rewrite its policies on migration and asylum, to make sure no family feels the need to endure these dangerous voyages again! Sign the petition now!