Crete: Hundreds of migrants rescued in multiple maritime operations

Greek Coast Guard and Frontex authorities conducted several rescue operations in the maritime area south and southeast of Kaloi Limenes, Crete. In one series of coordinated efforts, approximately 203 individuals were rescued from three separate vessels. These incidents involved groups of 38, 49, and 68 people, respectively.

During these operations, three young men—aged 16, 19, and 20, identified as Sudanese nationals—were arrested after being recognized by other passengers as the smugglers. The migrants reportedly departed from Libya on October 21, 2026, with the intention of reaching Greece.

In a separate incident, an additional 48 individuals were located near Gavdos and transferred to temporary hosting facilities in Chania. The rescue missions were coordinated by the Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center (EKSEΔ) using unmanned aerial vehicles from Frontex to locate the vessels.