Death toll from Lebanon migrant boat rises to 89: Authorities

By Idris Okuducu

BEIRUT (AA) - The death toll from the sinking of a migrant boat off the coast of Syria has risen to 89, health authorities said on Saturday.

The Basil Hospital Directorate in the Tartus district said six of 20 rescued people have been discharged from the hospital.

Separately, the Lebanese army said in a statement that two suspects were caught related to the incident.

On Thursday, Syrian regime authorities said that a boat that set off from Lebanon sank off the coast of Tartus.

Attempts by Lebanese and Syrians to migrate from Lebanon to European countries through illegal means have been rising due to an unprecedented deterioration in economic and social conditions and soaring poverty.

Lebanon has been grappling with a severe economic crisis since late 2019, including massive currency depreciation and fuel and medical shortages.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar