Crete: Migrant Flows at Critical Levels – 600 Arrivals in 48 Hours

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A surge in migrant flows has been recorded in Crete over the past 48 hours, with approximately 600 individuals rescued and transferred to reception facilities.

This afternoon, 31 foreign nationals aboard a dinghy were spotted by a passing cargo ship flying the Vanuatu flag, located 41.8 nautical miles south of Kali Limenes.

This morning, a rescue operation took place in the sea area south of Heraklion, where a dinghy carrying 47 people was located. According to the relevant authorities, the migrants were found 41 nautical miles south of Kali Limenes and were transferred to the port of Kokkinos Pyrgos using a Frontex vessel.

They are expected to be taken to a temporary accommodation facility in Heraklion. Among the rescued individuals are women.

131 at the Port of Gavdos

Earlier, two Coast Guard vessels proceeded with the rescue of 131 migrants aboard a fishing boat, located 14 nautical miles south of Gavdos. The rescued individuals were safely transferred to the port of Gavdos.

Meanwhile, yesterday, another 361 migrants were located on a fishing boat in a sea area 35 nautical miles south of Gavdos by a Coast Guard vessel and were transferred via a Danish-flagged cargo ship to the port of Paleochora.

In a second incident, 30 foreign nationals aboard a dinghy were found by a Frontex vessel 25 nautical miles south of Gavdos and were safely transferred to the same port.

Facilities at Their Limits

According to information from local media, more than 500 individuals have already been transferred to the Agia exhibition center, resulting in this particular facility—combined with today's rescue operation—now operating at a critical capacity.

At a time when the flows are placing intense pressure on Crete's accommodation structures, as temporary stay facilities are required to manage a large number of people in a limited timeframe, favorable weather conditions are facilitating the activities of smuggling networks.

Source: skai.gr