Greek authorities have rescued more than 500 migrants off the country’s southern islands of Crete and Gavdos in five separate maritime incidents since Friday, according to a statement released Sunday by the Greek Coast Guard.
The most significant operation occurred on Sunday, when more than 430 migrants were found adrift 25 nautical miles south of Gavdos, Greece’s southernmost island. The large-scale rescue operation was conducted by Greek authorities, responding to increased sea arrivals from northeastern Libya, a key departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Medics transfer a migrant to an ambulance, after Greece rescued hundreds of migrants off the islands of Gavdos and Crete in separate incidents, according to the Greek Coast Guard, in the port of Agia Galini, Greece, July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Stefanos Rapanis TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
In another rescue the same day, the European Union’s border agency Frontex intervened to save 96 migrants traveling in two boats off the coast of Crete. All rescued individuals are being transported to Crete, Greece’s largest and most populous island, for medical checks and identification procedures.
Increasing Migrant Arrivals via the Mediterranean
The rescued migrants, according to authorities, include nationals from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, particularly from war-torn regions, Egypt, and Bangladesh. These rescues highlight the continued use of dangerous sea routes by migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in search of safety and opportunity in Europe.
Sea arrivals via the eastern Mediterranean, particularly from Libya, have surged in recent months, raising concerns among European nations over border security and humanitarian responsibilities.
A Greek Coast Guard vessel transfers migrants to the port of Agia Galini, after Greece rescued hundreds of migrants off the islands of Gavdos and Crete in separate incidents, according to the Greek Coast Guard, in Greece, July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Stefanos Rapanis
Dramatic Footage Emerges from Southern Crete
One of Sunday’s incidents was captured on video and published by a Greek media outlet. The footage shows dozens of migrants jumping from a speed boat into the water just before reaching the shores of southern Crete. Greek authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crossing and the possible involvement of human smuggling networks.
Greece Bolsters Maritime Surveillance and Diplomatic Outreach
In response to the increasing flow of irregular migrants, Greece recently announced plans to deploy two naval frigates near Libyan territorial waters. The goal is to monitor and deter illegal crossings, as well as to coordinate more effectively with EU agencies and Libyan authorities.
Greece has also renewed its call for closer cooperation with Libya. On Sunday, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis visited Benghazi for talks with eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar, discussing ways to enhance bilateral collaboration on migration control.
“We will continue our undisturbed relationship… and we hope that in the near future we will have tangible results for the progress of our relations,” Gerapetritis stated following the meeting, according to a release from the Greek Foreign Ministry.
