IOM Records Almost 264,000 Migrants Arrivals by Sea in Europe in 2016

An estimated 263,636 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea in 2016 through 7 August, according to the latest tally released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Most arrivals have been recorded in Greece and Italy – 160,888 and 100,244.

The number of arrivals in Italy so far this yearis virtually the same as in 2015, when arrivals at this point totalled 100,179, the IOM said in a statement on Tuesday. There were 24,000 migrant and refugee arrivals in Italy last month.

A total of 1,241 migrants have been rescued in the Channel of Sicily since August 5, the IOM added.

The IOM has recorded 3,176 migrant and refugees fatalities through August 8.