Greek authorities rescued approximately 50 foreign nationals in a maritime operation carried out 41 nautical miles south of Ierapetra, on the southern coast of Crete, under the coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC).

According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, a boat carrying migrants was detected by a Frontex aerial surveillance aircraft in the sea area south of Crete.

A Coast Guard patrol vessel was immediately dispatched to the scene, while a passing ship also assisted in the recovery operation.

The approximately 50 migrants were safely rescued and are being transported to the port of Ierapetra.