BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) – Rescuers are actively searching for several individuals following a tragic incident where a boat capsized on the Danube River. The boat, which was carrying 10 Chinese nationals and one Serbian citizen, overturned near the Serbian town of Backa Palanka, located approximately 90 kilometers (54 miles) northwest of Belgrade, according to reports from Serbia's state RTS broadcaster released on Monday.
The accident occurred overnight, and reports indicate that some individuals are still missing. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation. As the search efforts continue, local media in both Serbia and Croatia have suggested that the group was attempting to cross into Croatia, an EU member state, illegally. The Serbian man operating the boat is allegedly involved in facilitating this illegal crossing.
Serbia serves as a critical point along the Balkan land route for migrants seeking to reach Western Europe. Many migrants attempt to travel from Serbia to neighboring EU countries, including Croatia, Hungary, or Romania, before continuing their journey towards economically prosperous states. This route has seen an increase in traffic from various nationalities, particularly those from regions experiencing economic difficulties.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in Chinese migrants appearing in central and eastern Europe. This trend has been attributed to China's growing investments in infrastructure and other projects within these regions. As economic conditions prompt movement among populations, many Chinese nationals are seeking opportunities abroad, which has resulted in increased migration to Europe.
The situation surrounding the capsized boat has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by migrants in their pursuit of a better life in Europe. Many individuals are willing to take significant risks, often relying on unofficial channels and local guides to aid their journey across borders. The tragic event underscores the perilous nature of such crossings and the human stories behind the statistics of migration.
