Seabed surveys for the Crete-Cyprus-Israel electricity interconnection are set to resume east of Kasos and…
Tag: aegean sea
An Afghan national has been ordered into pre-trial detention as a suspected smuggler following the sinking of an overcrowded migrant dinghy off Lesvos, which left seven dead and one child missing. The Greek coast guard rescued 23 survivors, including one of the suspect’s children, while his wife and another child are believed to be among the victims.
Lipsi, a quaint and captivating Greek island nestled in the Aegean Sea, has earned the title of the world’s second most exotic and authentic destination for 2025, just behind Fulhadhoo Island in the Maldives. Unlike the crowded hotspots of Mykonos and Santorini, Lipsi remains a tranquil, lesser-known haven—a peaceful retreat where visitors can experience the true essence of Greek island life.
A desperate struggle unfolded off the northern coast of Lesbos as a boat carrying migrants and refugees capsized near Skala Sikamnias. With 23 people rescued so far, the Hellenic Coast Guard and Air Force have launched an urgent operation, combing sea and shore for those still missing in the treacherous waters of the Aegean.
Greek authorities activated the 112 emergency alert system on March 31, 2025, issuing warnings for Chios, Samos, Ikaria, and Mykonos as severe storms threaten the region. With intense weather expected through early April 1 and a vehicle ban imposed on Mykonos, officials urge caution and compliance with safety measures.
A smuggler fleeing Greek authorities threw three people, including two children, into the waters near Farmakonisi on Saturday night, resulting in one death. The Hellenic Coast Guard rescued 16 others who reached shore, while special unit divers pulled the unconscious man and minors from the sea. The children survived after intense efforts, but the man was declared dead on Leros, highlighting the deadly risks of migrant smuggling in the Aegean.
Greece has extended a visa program for Turkish nationals by one year, allowing visits to 12 Aegean Sea islands for up to seven days. Initially launched in December 2023, the policy, now running until April 2026, has issued over 100,000 visas since March 2024, fostering ties between the NATO allies and historic rivals amid ongoing efforts to ease tensions.
A 4.1 Richter earthquake rattled the island of Amorgos in the Cyclades early Friday morning, ending a long stretch of seismic calm. Striking at 05:47, the quake’s epicenter was 14 kilometers south-southwest of Arkesini, with a depth of 15 kilometers, according to the Geodynamic Institute of Athens. Minutes earlier, two smaller tremors of 3.3 and 2.9 Richter had also shaken the region.
Strong northern winds, reaching up to 9 Beaufort, have grounded ferries across Greece, with a sailing ban enforced at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio. The stormy conditions in the Aegean Sea have disrupted travel, limiting Argo-Saronic Gulf routes to closed-type vessels only, while other lines remain closed. Passengers are advised to check with port authorities as the weather continues to impact schedules.
The Greek Armed Forces will soon deploy four Patroller UAVs from Rhodes and Chrysoupoli, enhancing surveillance across the Aegean, Thrace, and borders with Turkey. Costing €55 million, these French-made drones offer real-time reconnaissance and a low radar signature, with plans for potential armed variants under consideration.
Speaking at an iftar dinner with foreign ambassadors in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean. He expressed support for preserving the positive climate in Greek-Turkish relations through mutual steps.
Greece is experiencing a shift in weather as the recent cold spell gives way to rising temperatures, rain, and strong southerly winds. According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), the wettest days will be Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with winds reaching up to 6 Beaufort. While milder conditions are on the way, northern Greece recorded extreme lows, with temperatures plunging to -9.9°C in Rhodope. Frost remains a concern in some areas, but overall, Greeks can expect warmer yet unsettled weather with periods of heavy rainfall and mountain snowfall.
The Corinth Canal is a remarkable engineering feat in Greece, connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf through the Isthmus of Corinth. Although the idea dates back to the seventh century BC, it wasn’t realized until the late 19th century. Today, it serves more as a tourist attraction than a commercial waterway, with its narrow path challenging modern navigation but offering a unique spectacle for visitors.
Over 16,900 earthquakes, including two exceeding magnitude 4, rattled the region between the Greek islands of Amorgos and Santorini from late January to mid-February. While the two larger quakes prompted attention, the overall seismic activity is reportedly decreasing, according to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
Greece is bracing for a dramatic shift in weather this week, with a polar cold front promising subzero temperatures and widespread snowfall. Heavy snow is expected even in low-lying areas, including regions near Athens, starting midweek. Strong winds and storms are anticipated in the Aegean Sea.
The Hellenic Navy is monitoring a Turkish missile boat operating in international waters in the Aegean Sea, south of Tilos and heading towards Rhodes. This follows a meeting by Turkey’s disaster agency concerning seismic activity near Santorini and reports of Turkish interest in seismic research in the area. The Turkish vessel remains in international waters and has not approached Santorini.
Renewed tensions between Greece and Turkey threaten planned diplomatic talks. Turkey’s assertive actions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, including challenging Greek sovereignty and maritime boundaries under its “Blue Homeland” doctrine, are jeopardizing a potential summit between their leaders. These actions, coupled with disagreements over the interpretation of existing agreements and Turkey’s stance on the status of Greek islands, are creating a difficult environment for negotiations. Meanwhile, both nations are also navigating the evolving foreign policy landscape under the Trump administration.
Anafi has become the third Aegean island to be placed under a state of emergency due to ongoing seismic activity, following Amorgos and Santorini. The decision, announced by Civil Protection Secretary General Vassilis Papageorgiou, ensures priority assistance and monitoring for the affected islands. Authorities remain on high alert as tremors continue to unsettle the region. The emergency status will remain in effect until March 13 unless extended.
A double earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale struck the sea area between Santorini and Amorgos early Thursday morning, just one minute apart. The tremors prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency in Amorgos, following a similar measure already in place for Santorini. Seismic activity in the region is being closely monitored.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency on a second Greek island as earthquakes continue…