Key points

  • Twelve dead migrants were retrieved from a boat off the island of Crete by the Greek coast guard, according to Business Recorder.
  • Officials stated that eighteen other individuals were rescued approximately 15 nautical miles from the port of Kaloi Limenes.
  • Sea arrivals of migrants attempting to cross to Europe from northeastern Libya through Crete have experienced a recent surge, Business Recorder reported.

A maritime tragedy unfolded early Monday off the shores of Crete as Greek authorities pulled twelve lifeless bodies from a migrant vessel while managing multiple separate rescue operations in the region. According to Business Recorder, the coast guard confirmed the grim discovery but noted that the exact cause of death for the deceased individuals has not yet been established.

Key Details

In addition to the twelve bodies recovered from the boat, a coast guard official stated that eighteen survivors were pulled from the same vessel roughly 15 nautical miles away from the port of Kaloi Limenes, as reported by Business Recorder. The publication noted that dozens of other people were also rescued by authorities in two separate incidents off the coast of Crete. All of the rescued individuals are scheduled to be brought ashore.

Context and Impact

According to Business Recorder, Greece has historically served as a primary gateway to Europe for migrants and refugees fleeing parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, bearing the brunt of the 2015-2016 migration crisis when nearly one million people landed on its islands largely departing from Turkey. While overall migrant arrivals have since declined due to strengthened sea and border patrols by Athens, maritime journeys originating from northeastern Libya toward Crete have seen a notable increase.

Summary and What Next

The immediate focus remains on bringing the rescued survivors ashore and providing them with necessary assistance. Business Recorder reported that the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths on the vessel are still not immediately clear.