Crete migration: Over 100 migrants rescued in multiple sea operations

Multiple migration incidents occurred off the coast of Crete, involving the rescue of over 100 migrants in separate operations.

In one incident at Gerokambos beach in Kaloi Limenes, 39 migrants were identified. Authorities arrested a 19-year-old South Sudanese national accused of being a smuggler. Investigations suggest the group departed from Tobruk, Libya, after paying between 13,000 and 14,000 Libyan dinars for transport to Greece.

A second operation took place 39 nautical miles south of Agia Galini, where a boat carrying 80 migrants (79 men and one woman) was found in distress. The vessel was detected by a Frontex drone, and the passengers were rescued by a Frontex vessel with assistance from a Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship.

These continuous waves of arrivals highlight ongoing pressure on maritime borders in the region, requiring coordinated efforts between the Greek Coast Guard, Frontex, and international vessels.