A fishing boat carrying migrants capsized and sank off the coast of Greece on Wednesday, killing 79 people and leaving many more missing, the Associated Press reported.

The 80-to-100-foot trawler was charging toward the muzzle with migrants on board, as confirmed by aerial photos, according to the Associated Press. report. The trawler’s engine failed and the boat eventually lost balance and sank near the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea. The migrants had repeatedly refused assistance from the Greek Coast Guard and other vessels, insisting on sailing to Italy, leading to engine failure and eventual sinking. (Related: New York City sues county for rejecting illegal immigrants bused in by Eric Adams)

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The migrants also included people from Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Pakistan, he said. sky news. A total of 104 people were rescued and several were reportedly taken to hospital for intensive care.

Coast Guard ships, aircraft, navy and merchant vessels are taking part in the search and rescue operation, which continues overnight, according to the Associated Press.

Greece’s interim prime minister, Ioannis Salmas, has declared three days of national mourning, denouncing “ruthless smugglers who take advantage of human misfortune,” according to the Associated Press.

The Central Mediterranean route used by migrants is the deadliest migration route in the world, with more than 21,000 people dead or missing since 2014, according to the United Nations. Missing Immigrant Project.