Twenty migrants die while trying to reach Greece

Eight bodies were found on one vessel and 12 on another. More than 40 people were rescued, the Greek Coast Guard announced.

Maritime police launched an emergency rescue operation late Saturday night after a vessel issued a warning signal in complicated conditions due to strong winds, he added.

Twenty-eight survivors and one body, all Sudanese nationals, were rescued by another vessel sailing nearby and later transferred to a police vessel and taken to Crete, authorities said on Sunday.

During Sunday night, the Coast Guard located the vessel, with seven more bodies on board.

In another incident, 12 bodies were found on a vessel south of the island on Monday, while 18 people were rescued, the Coast Guard said.

Crete has become one of the main entry points into the EU for migrants departing from Libya. Many crossing attempts end tragically.