Crete: Over 360 migrants rescued in 24 hours

Over 360 migrants were rescued in various maritime incidents south of Crete within a 24-hour period. The rescues took place in several locations, including the waters near Gavdos, Agia Galini, and Ierapetra.

In one incident near Gavdos, authorities rescued 33 migrants from a boat in rough seas with winds up to 6 Beaufort. One person was reported missing during the rescue, prompting search operations by Frontex vessels and aerial assets. In a separate operation near Ierapetra, the Coast Guard intercepted 181 migrants across three different boats.

Authorities have also arrested several individuals suspected of human smuggling. These include a 20-year-old South Sudanese national near Gavdos and two minors, aged 16 and 17, near Agia Galini. The minors were allegedly identified by other passengers as smugglers who facilitated travel from Tobruk, Libya, for fees ranging between $1,500 and $3,000.

The influx has placed significant pressure on local reception facilities, such as the Agia structure in Chania, which is currently housing over 100 individuals.