The EU is greatly saddened by last Thursday’s tragic capsizing of a boat off the coast of Syria, in which -according to the latest death toll- 77 people died, mostly Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians.

This new tragedy at sea is the worst recent boat sinking event involving migrants departing from the region. 

In this moment of grief, the EU stands by the Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian people, and remains committed to helping them overcome the crises they face while assisting the refugees in the region and combating the trafficking of migrants.