A tragic incident occurred late Saturday when a migrant boat sank off the coast of Crete, resulting in one confirmed death and leaving 40 others reportedly missing. According to Greece’s coastguard, 39 survivors were successfully rescued from the waters approximately 12 nautical miles southwest of Gavdos Island.
The capsizing of the vessel, which took place shortly after midnight, prompted a large-scale rescue operation in the sea south of Gavdos. An Italian frigate, alongside helicopters, was deployed to the rescue site, with additional ships en route to assist in the operation. Local media reports indicate that one individual was airlifted to a hospital in Chania, Crete, where he is currently in intensive care.
Greece has experienced a 25-percent increase in migrant arrivals this year, as individuals flee war and poverty. Notably, the number of migrants entering Rhodes and the southeastern Aegean has risen by 30 percent, according to the migration ministry.
This latest incident adds to a series of similar tragedies in recent weeks. In late November, eight migrants, including six minors, lost their lives in a separate boat sinking north of Samos, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by those attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
