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Greek Coast Guard Defends Actions As Up To 500 Migrants Feared Dead In Shipwreck

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Greece’s Athens Greek — As criticism grew Friday over the European Union’s protracted inability to develop a comprehensive immigration and asylum strategy, Greece’s coast guard defended its reacting to a ship carrying hundreds of migrants that ultimately sank off the country’s south coast.

Patrol boats and a helicopter combed the Mediterranean Sea region where the crowded fishing trawler capsized and sank early on Wednesday for a third day. According to the International Organisation for Migration, the trawler sailing from Libya to Italy may have carried as many as 500 individuals.

The U.N. migration agency’s Missing Migrants Project tweeted about a ship that collapsed off the coast of Libya, killing an estimated 800 migrants. “This could be the second deadliest shipwreck we have ever recorded after the tragic shipwreck of April, 2015 on route to Italy,” it said.

According to the Greek coast guard, the search and rescue effort would last longer than the typical 72 hours. Rescuers plucked 104 survivors from the sea and later found 78 bodies, but since late Wednesday, they haven’t found any more.

The magnitude of the catastrophe increased pressure on the European Union and the Greek government.

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According to the Greek coast guard, the search and rescue effort would last longer than the typical 72 hours.

In a joint statement, the United Nations‘ migration and refugee agencies referred to timely marine search and rescue operations as “a legal and humanitarian imperative” and urged “urgent and decisive action to prevent further deaths at sea.”

Adriana Tidona of Amnesty International said, “the Greek government had specific responsibilities towards every passenger on the vessel, which was clearly in distress.” “This is a tragedy of unfathomable proportions, made all the more tragic by the fact that it was completely avoidable.”

Pope Francis, who was allowed to leave a hospital in Rome nine days after undergoing abdominal surgery on Friday, encouraged European nations to take more steps to safeguard those who put their lives in danger in search of better opportunities.

According to Francis’ Twitter account tweet, “I feel great pain at the death of the migrants, including many children, in the shipwreck.” “We must take all reasonable steps to ensure that refugees from war and poverty do not perish while looking for a future filled with hope.”

The criticism from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was sharper.

To be clear. It’s not a Greek issue. Europe has an issue with this. During a news conference at U.N. headquarters in New York late on Thursday, Guterres said, “I think it’s time for Europe to be able to define an effective migration policy for these kinds of situations to not happen again.”

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The Greek coast guard said the search and rescue effort would last longer than 72 hours.

The executive commission of the E.U. claims that a deal on how member nations can share responsibility for looking after migrants and refugees who make the dangerous trek across the Mediterranean is close to being reached by the 27-nation bloc.

Greece and other southern E.U. countries have intensified border control measures recently, extending barriers and stepping up naval patrols. These countries often serve as the first destinations for asylum seekers sailing to Europe.

Nikos Alexiou, a spokesman for the Coast Guard, claimed that before the ship sank, coast guard and private vessels tracked it in international waters. He claimed that calls made over a loudspeaker and via radio exchanges with the ship were ignored after being repeatedly offered assistance.

Despite reports of survivors, Alexiou insisted that a patrol boat had attempted to tow the fishing boat.

The causes of the sinking are the subject of a legal inquiry. Greek authorities claim the boat rolled over and listed minutes after losing power, and they speculate that passenger panic may have contributed to this.

The rescue effort sparked political dissent in Greece, which will have national elections on June 25. Athens’ large protests became violent late Thursday, resulting in 21 arrests.

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The Greek coast guard said the search and rescue effort would last longer than 72 hours.

The coast guard should have hauled the ship to safety when it reached Greek waters, according to left-wing opposition leader Alexis Tsipras, who met survivors. Human rights organizations shared this worry.

Most survivors were being relocated to migrant shelters close to Athens on Friday from a storage hangar at the southern port of Kalamata, where relatives had assembled to search for lost family members.

On Friday, nine men from Egypt, all between the ages of 20 and 40, were caught, arrested, and accused of taking part in a criminal operation and smuggling people. According to health experts, twenty-seven survivors are still in the hospital.

On Monday, the smuggling suspects are scheduled to appear in court.

According to Alexiou, who cited eyewitness testimonies, the fishing boat’s hold contained women and children, but the number of the missing, thought to number in the hundreds, is still unknown.

According to the International Organisation for Migration, the boat may have held up to 750 passengers.

To begin the identification procedure, officials at a state-run mortuary outside of Athens took photographs of the victims’ faces and collected DNA samples.

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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King Charles Could Millions Annually from Renting His Properties

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Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million

A recent analysis suggests that King Charles might earn over £1 million each year by renting out royal properties to holidaymakers.

The Royal Family’s historic houses and mansions are popular holiday rentals, contributing significantly to the Palace’s revenue.

Pikl Insurance estimates that the royals may earn up to £118,775.85 per month, or around £1,425,310.20 per year, from their holiday rental portfolio. Even after accounting for cancellations, the monarchy is anticipated to generate a net annual income of somewhat more over £1.4 million.

Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million

The four primary royal properties accepting public bookings are Balmoral Castle, Castle of Mey’s Captain House, Restormel Manor, and Dumfries House, according to Express.co.uk. Cottages at Balmoral Castle in Scotland are expected to generate £36,798.30 per month after accounting for cancellations.

According to the numbers, the 500-year-old Restormel Manor in Cornwall is the most profitable of them all, earning a solid £47,082 every month. The resort, located in the Fowey Valley, has four booking spaces and six converted barns.

Windsor Castle

Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, adds an estimated £31,185.63 and offers 25 rooms for booking. The Castle of Mey’s Captain House in the Scottish Highlands is estimated to generate a more modest £3,709.92 per month, despite the fact that the entire property is available for booking.

The analysts stated, “While the Royal Family’s primary role is undoubtedly to serve the nation, it is clear that their properties are also a valuable asset.” These estimates highlight the royal estate’s considerable financial potential and provide an intriguing peek into the monarchy’s corporate operations.”

Royal Family received £86.3 million from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant in the previous fiscal year, according to official numbers released in July.

All revenues from the Crown Estate, which includes royal households, forestry, agriculture, and offshore wind, are paid directly to the Treasury, with a portion of this money, now 12%, returned to the Royal Family to finance their tasks.

The records also cover a period of jubilation, including the coronation and festivities surrounding the King and Queen’s crowning in May of last year.

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Man Creates Candy Cane Car to Spread Christmas Cheer

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Man Creates Candy Cane Car Spread Christmas Cheer
Clayman in his Grinch costume poses with his Candy Cane Car

In a delightful display of holiday spirit, a local resident in North Providence, Maine, has transformed his vehicle into a candy cane delight that is capturing hearts and spreading Christmas Cheer.

Over the past 15 years, Dave Clayman has transformed a simple 1991 Toyota Camry into a rolling holiday icon that captivates everyone who encounters it.

It’s wrapped in $3,000 worth of reflective tape, the same kind used on trailer trucks. Whether parked at a mall or cruising down the highway, you can’t miss it with its candy cane decorations.

This whimsical project started with an unusual idea. When an old exercise bike landed in Clayman’s possession, he mounted it on top of his car instead of letting it gather dust in his garage.

“There’s nothing like working out in the fresh air,” Dave said. That quirky addition quickly drew eyes, inspiring him to keep going.

The car features homemade rockets built from trash cans and salad bowls, candy cane-themed hubcaps, and candy cane lights dangling from the mounted exercise bike.

Man Creates Candy Cane Car Spread Christmas Cheer

The Candy Cane Car cost Clayman $3,000

To top it off, it boasts a PA system and a custom horn, making it a true sensory experience.

The candy cane car has now become a local landmark every Christmas. Parked outside Clayman’s house, it’s a favourite backdrop for people snapping photos or simply stopping to admire it.

Some visitors even share stories of seeing the car as a child, reminiscing about how it’s been a beloved part of their neighbourhood for years.

“When people see it, their mood amplifies,” Clayman explained. “If they’re happy, they become happier. If they’re upset, well, they sometimes get angrier.” But for the most part, he estimates that over 96% of people love the festive car, particularly around Christmas.

Clayman said he used to wear a Santa costume when riding in his festive car for years. A few years ago, he bought a Grinch costume and never looked back.

“It’s like a state of euphoria. Every time I get behind the wheel and people see it,” he said. “Anything that people are in a better mood, it seems to make you in a better mood. It’s a labor of love you got to be committed to it.”

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Senate Approves Social Security Fairness Act, Heads to Final Vote

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Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS

(VOR News) – On Wednesday, the United States Senate Social Security passed a measure with a vote of 73-27, indicating that the legislation, which is co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, is likely to be implemented before the end of the year.

The law may be beneficial to personnel working in the public sector in Maine, including teachers, firefighters, and other workers.

The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two restrictions that lower the amount of Social Security payments paid to public employees.

These regulations would be eliminated with the passage of the act. A provision known as the Windfall Elimination Provision makes it impossible for public employees who are currently receiving pensions to continue receiving them.

The Government Pension Offset, as it is commonly referred to, is designed to limit the amount of money that can be paid to the surviving spouses of recipients who are also receiving government pensions.

This problematic situation impacts Social Security benefits.”

In November 2024, the Social Security Administration reported that more than 2 million individuals, including more than 20,000 in the state of Maine, had their Social Security benefits reduced as a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision,” Collins stated in a statement that was released by her department.

In November 2024, the Government Pension Offset had an impact on more than 650,000 individuals, with more than 6,000 of those individuals residing in the state of Maine, according to the previously mentioned line of reasoning.

A vote of 327 to 75 was necessary for the measure to be approved by the House of Representatives the previous month. On Wednesday, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate, announced that he intended to work rapidly in order to deliver the act from the House of Representatives to the president’s desk.

As indicated by Schumer, who was speaking on the floor of the United States Senate today, “Passing this Social Security fix right before Christmas would be a great gift for our retired firefighters, police officers, postal workers, teachers, and others who have contributed to Social Security for years but are now being penalised because of their time spent serving the public.”

In the beginning, the measure was supported by two individuals: Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, and Collins, a Republican. During her speech in support of the proposal, which was made on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, Collins stated that the idea will have a significant impact on a number of individuals, including teachers in the state of Maine.

These advantages are the direct result of the effort that they put forth. During the course of her remarks, Collins asserted that the punishment in question was both unreasonable and unacceptable.

This will strain Social Security’s already shaky budget.

In a recent examination, it was discovered that the Windfall Elimination Provision was one of the primary problems that contributed to the difficulties that the teacher workforce in Maine is experiencing, which experts are referring to as a crisis.

A poll that was conducted and released by the non-profit organisation Educate Maine found that teachers in each and every county in the state of Maine identified the provision as a hindering factor in the process of recruiting new teachers.

According to the findings of the study, “this federal policy that reduces social security payouts is a disincentive,” which implies that it is detrimental to teachers who take on additional work and discourages people from switching careers in order to become teachers.

Sharon Gallant, a retired educator who worked in Gardiner for a total of 31 years, is one of the educators that are now employed there. Prior to beginning his career as a teacher in the public school system, Gallant was employed in the business sector. He made a little contribution to the Social Security system during the entirety of this time period.

“When you move into public education, you are faced with a certain degree of punishment,” according to her statement.

In letters that Gallant sent to Collins and to Sen. Angus King of Maine, who is an independent, he urged both of them to support the concept. She stated that even if it is unsuccessful, Maine will still have a difficult time recruiting teachers because of the clause that deters them from employment.

She made the observation, “If this does not pass, then it is just another reason not to enter public service.”

SOURCE: FR

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