Greek authorities have rescued over 500 migrants off the coast of Crete and Gavdos over the weekend, according to a statement issued by the Greek Coast Guard on Sunday, May 25.
The rescues highlight the ongoing pressure faced by Greece as one of the key entry points into Europe for migrants fleeing war, poverty, and political instability, primarily from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Crete and Gavdos, located near Libya and Egypt, have increasingly become part of the migration route used by those making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean.
On Saturday alone, around 280 individuals were saved from five separate shipwrecks. Among those rescued were 13 minors, with the majority being adult men, the Coast Guard reported.
Several of the migrants stated they had departed from Libya, having paid between 150,000 and 200,000 Egyptian pounds—equivalent to roughly $3,000 to $4,000—for the dangerous crossing.
In connection with the incident, Greek authorities arrested a 24-year-old Sudanese man, who is believed to have been involved in trafficking. He has since been prosecuted.
Migrant boats to Crete from the Libyan coast
The number of deaths and missing persons in the waters off Gavdos and Crete has significantly increased compared to previous years, says the NGO Refugee Support Aegean (RSA).
Many boats depart from the Libyan coast, specifically the port of Tobruk. The distance between Tobruk and southern Crete is approximately 180 nautical miles. This is one of the most perilous sea routes in the Mediterranean.
Migrants are crammed into old fishing boats or small vessels, often enduring a journey of at least two days on open seas without food or life-saving equipment, RSA notes.
Characteristically, a tragic incident occurred on December 13, 2024, when one of the deadliest shipwrecks in the waters southwest of Gavdos claimed the lives of more than half of the passengers. Eight bodies were recovered, with five detected initially and three more found in the following days. According to media reports, over 35 individuals have been reported missing and are now presumed dead, including children. From this shipwreck, 39 people were rescued, four of whom were transferred to the General Hospital of Chania for medical treatment.
Greek authorities say that, more often than not, boats that take off from the port of Tobruk, Libya enter Greek territorial waters and then send out an SOS signal to be rescued by the Hellenic Coast Guard. The boats are ominously frail, and the occupants are not in possession of food or life-saving equipment.
Related: Greek Minister Says Undocumented Migrants Should Be Punished With Jail Time
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