Hundreds of migrants reach Gavdos and Crete
According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, multiple boats carrying large numbers of people landed on Gavdos and along Crete’s southern coast from early morning until late afternoon.
The migrants were temporarily housed at a facility set up at an exhibition center in Hania. Authorities plan to gradually transfer the arrivals to mainland reception centers.
On Friday night, approximately 190 people were scheduled to travel to Athens by ferry and continue to the Malakasa Reception Center for registration and processing.
The favorable summer weather is facilitating crossings from Libya to Crete, raising concerns of sustained or increased arrivals during the coming months.
Local officials warn that the growing influx coincides with peak tourism season, complicating efforts to secure transport for migrant relocation.
Rescue operations on Crete have already surpassed last year’s total. So far in 2025, authorities have responded to 65 incidents involving migrant boats, compared to 63 for all of 2024.
As of this week, 3,147 migrants have landed on the island, already exceeding last year’s annual total of 3,020.
Deputy Migration Minister Sevi Voloudaki visited Hania to coordinate the response. She said steps are underway to classify Crete as a region of elevated migration pressure, which would allow for emergency funding and the creation of reception facilities in Hania and Iraklio.
Kathimerini
