Crete: 738 Migrants Rescued in a Single Day

A total of 738 migrants were rescued in nine search and rescue operations carried out in the last 24 hours in the sea area of southern Crete and Gavdos, coordinated by the Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Center (EKSED).

The operations involved vessels from the Coast Guard, FRONTEX, and passing ships. The rescues took place in various locations, including areas south of Gavdos and Kaloi Limenes.

Specifically, in one operation, 108 foreigners on a wooden boat were rescued 41 nautical miles south of Gavdos, after being spotted by a Liberian-flagged ship. The rescued individuals were transferred to the port of Paleochora.

Additionally, 361 foreigners were rescued 35 nautical miles south of Gavdos with the assistance of the cargo ship 'ALBERT MAERSK' and a Coast Guard patrol vessel. Another 78 foreigners were located on 'Trypiti' beach in Gavdos and transferred to Agia Chania.

In another incident, 30 foreigners were rescued south of Gavdos following information from a FRONTEX vessel. Also, 30 foreigners were located 31.5 nautical miles south of Kaloi Limenes, while 13 foreigners were found on Myrtos Ierapetras beach.

Finally, 47 foreigners were rescued 41 nautical miles south of Kaloi Limenes by a FRONTEX vessel, and 31 foreigners were located by a Vanuatu-flagged ship, 42 miles south of Kaloi Limenes.

The authorities are on constant alert due to increased migratory pressure.