A significant surge in migrant arrivals has been observed over the last several hours south of Crete and off the coast of Gavdos in Greece.
According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, 346 migrants were rescued within a five-hour window on Friday between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. during seven separate operations. These rescue missions involved assets from the Coast Guard, aerial support from Frontex, and, in one instance, assistance from a passing cargo ship.
Greece’s recent migrant surge is largely attributed to improved weather conditions. Within the last 24 hours, an additional 456 migrants arrived on Crete and Gavdos from Libya. The individuals are primarily men from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, and Egypt.
Migrant numbers decrease in Greece but spike on Crete, Gavdos
While the total number of asylum seekers arriving in Greece throughout 2025 has decreased by 20% compared to 2024 (down to 48,771 from 62,116), Crete and Gavdos have emerged as the primary entry points for irregular migration. In 2025 alone, 19,800 migrants arrived on these islands.
The escalation of activity south of Crete comes at a time when authorities in Athens are increasingly concerned about the broader geopolitical climate, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Officials fear that the regional instability, particularly in Iran and surrounding nations, could trigger a new wave of refugees, the scale of which would depend on the duration and intensity of the fighting.
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