Tragic Migrant Incident Off Crete: Three Dead
Authorities reported a tragic incident off the coast of Crete, where the bodies of three migrants were recovered during a rescue operation on Friday. A commercial vessel, responding to a distress call from the Greek Search and Rescue Centre, successfully rescued 20 migrants, primarily from Egypt and Sudan, including four minors. The situation escalated when the migrants’ wooden boat capsized as they attempted to board the rescue ship.
Over 10,000 Migrants Died Trying to Reach Spain by Sea in 2024
Rescue Operations and Ongoing Search
The rescue operation unfolded after the commercial ship was directed to the scene where the wooden boat was found. Survivors indicated that approximately 50 individuals were aboard the capsized vessel. As the rescue team worked to save those in distress, a sudden movement caused the small boat to overturn, leading to the unfortunate loss of three lives.
In response to the incident, the Greek coast guard deployed four patrol boats, an aircraft, and two ships from the European border agency Frontex to continue the search for survivors. The ongoing efforts reflect the increasing challenges faced by migrants attempting the perilous journey from Libya to Crete, a critical entry point into the European Union. In a separate development, authorities also spotted a second boat carrying around 40 migrants in the vicinity, prompting another rescue operation.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that over 16,770 individuals seeking asylum in the EU arrived in Crete in 2025. The surge in migrant arrivals has led the conservative Greek government to suspend the processing of asylum applications for three months last summer, particularly affecting those arriving from Libya. Tragically, the UNHCR has documented that 107 people died or went missing in Greek waters in 2025, underscoring the dangers faced by those seeking refuge.
