Greece rescues 327 migrants off Crete and Gavdos

A total of 327 migrants were rescued off the southern coast of the Greek island of Crete and the island of Gavdos within a two-day period. On Thursday, 87 migrants were rescued from two boats located approximately 21 nautical miles south and southeast of Kali Limenes after being spotted by a Frontex aircraft.

This followed five separate rescue operations on Wednesday that brought 240 people to safety. According to the UNHCR, more than 10,000 migrants have arrived on Crete since the beginning of the year through early August.

Survivors reported that the vessels originated from the region around the Libyan port city of Tobruk. Greek migration minister Thanos Plevris recently stated that over half a million people in Libya are waiting to make the crossing to Europe. The Greek Coast Guard reports that dozens of boats are currently en route from Libya toward Crete.