12 migrants found dead as 105 rescued off Crete
Twelve migrants were found dead and 105 others rescued during three separate operations off the southern coast of Crete on Monday, according to Greek authorities.
The operations took place south of the island near Kali Limenes, with the Hellenic Coast Guard and the European Union's border agency, Frontex, involved in locating and rescuing people aboard three migrant boats.
Moroccan cargo ship rescues 18 survivors
The deadliest incident involved a migrant boat spotted approximately 28 kilometers south of Crete, or 15 nautical miles from the island.
A Moroccan-flagged cargo ship passing through the area rescued 18 people from the vessel, while the bodies of 12 others were recovered, the Greek Coast Guard said.
Authorities have not released the identities of those who died or provided further details about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Frontex locates two additional boats
Two other migrant boats were subsequently detected farther south of Crete.
The first, carrying approximately 47 people, was spotted by a Frontex aircraft, while the second, carrying around 40 people, was located using an unmanned drone.
Frontex vessels rescued all 87 people aboard the two boats and transported them towards a port on Crete's southern coast.
Combined, the three operations resulted in 105 survivors being rescued and 12 bodies recovered.
Crete emerges as a major migration route
Greece remains one of the main entry points into the European Union for migrants fleeing conflict, poverty and instability in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
In recent months, thousands have attempted the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from North Africa, particularly from Libya towards Crete.
Others travel from the Turkish coast towards nearby Greek islands in the eastern Aegean, often using small and unseaworthy boats.
Last month, 12 people, including an infant, died after two boats travelling from Turkey towards the islands of Lesvos and Samos capsized.
Eastern Mediterranean remains busiest EU migration corridor
According to Frontex, the eastern Mediterranean was the busiest migration route into the 27-member European Union during the first three quarters of 2026.
The agency recorded approximately 31,800 irregular crossings along the route during that period, representing a 15% decrease compared with the same period last year.
The corridor from Libya to Crete was the busiest section, followed by crossings towards the eastern Aegean islands and the land border with Turkiye.
Despite the overall decline in recorded crossings, the latest tragedy off Crete highlights the continuing dangers facing migrants attempting to reach European shores.
Source:Kathimerini
