Crete: Over 200 migrants rescued in multiple maritime operations

Multiple search and rescue operations conducted by the Hellenic Coast Guard and commercial vessels have resulted in the recovery of over 200 migrants off the southern coast of Crete.

In one series of coordinated efforts, Frontex unmanned aircraft detected several boats in the waters near Ierapetra. One vessel carrying approximately 71 people was intercepted by a Malta-flagged tanker, while a second boat with roughly 70 individuals was rescued by a Greek Coast Guard patrol vessel. A third operation, located approximately 50 nautical miles south of Ierapetra, involved a Denmark-flagged cargo vessel rescuing about 77 migrants, including individuals from Sudan, Bangladesh, and Egypt.

Additional separate incidents were reported near Kali Limenes and Gavdos, where authorities and private vessels assisted in the rescue and transfer of dozens more migrants to safety. Local authorities in Heraklion and Ierapetra are conducting preliminary investigations into the arrivals.