Greek Coast Guard Intercepts Smuggling Sailboat Near Rhodes, 46 Migrants Rescued

On 9 July 2026, a Greek Coast Guard patrol boat responded to a citizen’s tip and located a sail‑boat in the Kalithea waters off Rhodes. The vessel had left Marmarida in Turkey and was carrying 46 foreign nationals – men, women and children from Kuwait, Yemen, Iraq, Somalia and Palestine.

The 50‑year‑old Egyptian operator was taken into custody. While the boat was being towed to a safe harbor it took on water and sank; authorities reported no marine pollution or navigation hazard. All migrants were recovered and handed over to the relevant Greek authorities for processing.