A major search-and-rescue operation was launched early Friday off the southern coast of Crete after a vessel carrying hundreds of migrants was spotted at sea near the small island of Gavdos. Authorities confirmed that 545 people were on board the boat, prompting an immediate and coordinated response.
The operation involved three vessels from the EU’s border agency Frontex, three boats from the Greek Coast Guard, and three nearby commercial ships. All those rescued were reported to be in good health.
The migrants are being transferred to the coastal village of Agia Galini, where local authorities are making temporary accommodation arrangements before their onward transfer to another regional port. Municipal officials confirmed that food and basic assistance will be provided, as has been standard practice during similar arrivals.
Local authorities noted the significant financial strain placed on municipalities by repeated rescue and hosting operations, with substantial resources already spent this year to meet urgent humanitarian needs. Some state funding has been approved and is expected to be released in the coming days.
The incident was the fourth migrant arrival recorded in the area within a 24-hour period. Earlier rescues included a boat carrying 32 people south of Gavdos, another with 37 migrants in nearby waters, and a separate operation involving 53 individuals in a different coastal area of southern Crete. In total, 667 migrants were rescued over the course of a single day.
