Greek coast guard authorities have rescued nearly 400 migrants in two separate operations off the coast of the southern Greek island of Crete, Greece’s state news agency ANA reported on Friday.
According to the report, 365 migrants were rescued from a fishing vessel during an operation conducted about 35 nautical miles off the small island of Gavdos, near Crete. The rescue involved a Greek coast guard vessel, a Danish cargo ship, and a helicopter.
Earlier, in the same general area, around 30 migrants were safely transferred by a vessel operated by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, approximately 25 nautical miles off Gavdos. They were later taken to Crete.
Meanwhile, Greek authorities said that in a separate incident on Thursday, another 39 migrants were rescued from a rubber dinghy off the southern coast of Crete.
The report noted that sea routes from Turkey to Greece, as well as routes via Libya, remain among the most frequently used pathways for undocumented migrants attempting to enter Europe. These journeys are often extremely dangerous, with maritime accidents and loss of life occurring regularly.
Earlier this month, a boat capsized on one such route, resulting in the recovery of 17 bodies, most of whom were nationals of Egypt and Sudan. At least 15 others are believed to be missing following the incident.
Sources: AFP, BSS.