More than 600 migrants have arrived on Crete and Gavdos in recent days, as boats carrying them were either found adrift by the Greek Coast Guard or managed to reach beaches on the two islands and disembark passengers.
Local authorities have expressed concern about the increase in arrivals, which they attribute to favorable weather conditions and fears over what could happen during the summer months. Last year, 19,948 migrants, mainly from Egypt, Sudan, and Bangladesh, arrived on Crete and Gavdos. In 2024, arrivals along the same migration route did not exceed 5,000.
Migrants reach Gavdos and Crete
From last Thursday through Sunday night, nearly 500 people arrived on the two islands. On Sunday morning, a boat was located in the sea area between Ierapetra and the village of Psari Forada. The coast guard rescued 44 people, mainly nationals of Bangladesh and Sudan.
Earlier, two inflatable boats reached the beach at Psari Forada about three hours apart, disembarking 34 and 35 people respectively. The migrants remained on the beach until they were found by local residents. According to the migrants, they began their journey on Saturday morning from the Libyan coast near Tobruk before being transferred by bus to Heraklion.
About 30 people are staying at the municipal school in Kalogeroi, while two tents provided by a nearby naval base were set up for arrivals. A migration pact taking effect July 1 foresees screening, identification, detention, and returns after asylum applications are denied there.
Related: Migrant Surge in Greece: South Crete and Gavdos Under Pressure
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