Crete: Greek coast guard recovers at least 20 dead migrants on boat
Three separate rescue operations approximately six nautical miles south of Kali Limenes; Frontex apparently involved
Quick Look
- The Greek coast guard said it rescued 133 people off the southern coast of Crete.
- At least 20 people died in three separate rescue operations around six nautical miles south of Kali Limenes.
- Frontex was apparently involved in the operations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Greek coast guard carried out three separate rescue operations off the southern coast of Crete. According to state broadcaster ERT, at least 20 people were killed and 133 were rescued. Two suspected smugglers with Sudanese citizenship have been charged. Greece has drastically increased the penalties for smuggling in recent years.
The coast guard said it rescued dozens of survivors from boats that were around six nautical miles south of the town of Kali Limenes on the southern coast of Crete. There were apparently three separate rescue operations in total.
State broadcaster ERT reported back-to-back incidents and at least 20 deaths. A total of 133 people were rescued. According to ERT, in addition to the twelve dead at Kali Limenes, eight other bodies were found on another boat. Apparently there are also at least two missing people who fell into the sea. Other Greek media initially did not confirm this information.
There were strong winds in the area at the weekend, making the rescue operation difficult, the radio reported.
Frontex apparently involved in rescue operation
According to ERT, the authorities received the first information about a boat in distress on Friday afternoon. Later, a container ship discovered another refugee boat, among other things. Emergency services from the EU border protection agency Frontex then located additional boats with dozens of people on board and were apparently also involved in the rescue operations.
The survivors on a boat are said to have been 28 people with Sudanese citizenship. They are said to have left the Libyan coast in the middle of last week. On Crete, some of the survivors were taken by bus to the university hospital in the island's capital, Heraklion, and some were taken to reception facilities.
According to ERT, two Sudanese were identified as smugglers by other people on board. Charges were brought against the two men. Greece has draconianly increased the penalties for smugglers in recent years.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
There will be legal proceedings against the two suspected smugglers.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How many people were on the boats in total?
- Where exactly were the eight other bodies found?
- What charges were brought against the two suspected smugglers?
- Are the two missing people still missing?
