A group of 75 migrants, attempting to make the dangerous journey from North Africa to Europe, were rescued from a disabled boat south of Crete, Greek authorities confirmed on Friday.
The migrants, thought to have departed from eastern Libya, sent a distress call before being rescued by a passing merchant ship in the Mediterranean Sea.
Escorted by the Greek coast guard, the group is now being taken to a southern port on the island. Their nationalities remain unverified.
This rescue highlights a newer, longer migration route from Libya to Crete that has emerged this year, as thousands from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia seek to reach Europe. Migrants making the journey reportedly pay smugglers as much as €9,000 ($9,800) for the crossing.
So far in 2024, more than 3,500 migrants have used this route, contributing to the total of 42,000 people who have entered Greece illegally, many arriving on the eastern Aegean islands via Turkey.
While Greece sees significant numbers of migrants, Italy remains the most common destination, with over 51,000 arrivals this year, followed by Spain. Despite efforts to curb migration, these routes continue to pose significant risks for those making the crossing.
(Source: Associated Press)