At least 78 migrants tragically perished and dozens more are still missing after a fishing boat they boarded in eastern Libya, believed to be carrying up to 400 people, capsized and sunk off the Greek coast on Wednesday. A network of activists report that they received a distress call from a boat in the same area whose passengers relayed there were 750 people on board, though it is unknown if this was the same vessel.

A large search-and-rescue effort has been activated involving the Greek coast guard, navy, merchants vessels, and Frontex – the European Union border protection agency. They noted that the boat had been speeding north, refusing aid when offered and instead only accepting supplies from a merchant ship. Unfortunate circumstances have enabled Mediterranean smugglers to remain in international waters as they pass by Greece while aboard their larger vessels.

The ominous event has sadly prompted the cancelation of political events leading up Greek president, Katerina Sakellaropoulou’s, trip to the area tending to rescued migrants, as well as her June 25th national election campaign. Four survivors were hospitalized for symptoms of hypothermia and over 100 people have been rescued thus far.

This remarkable tragedy serves as a prime example of the extreme danger posed to those who choose to travel to Europe on smuggler’s boats, and underscores the dire instability in Libya that enables human traffickers to exploit these vulnerable individuals. In order to avoid similar disasters in the future, an increased investment in international cooperation is needed to ensure the safety of potential refugees.