Greek authorities have successfully rescued 75 migrants stranded on a crippled boat south of the island of Crete during their dangerous crossing from North Africa to Europe. The rescue, which took place on Friday, involved a merchant ship responding to a distress call from the migrants. Greek coast guard officials escorted the rescued individuals to a southern port in Crete, although their nationalities remain unknown at this time.
The migrants are believed to have embarked on the long and perilous journey from eastern Libya, a route that has seen an increase in use this year. Many of those attempting the crossing reported paying up to €9,000 (around $9,800) to smuggling gangs for the chance to reach Europe.
This new route from Libya to Crete is quickly emerging as an alternative for those fleeing Africa, the Middle East, and Asia in search of better opportunities in Europe. According to the United Nations refugee agency, more than 3,500 people have made this crossing to Crete in 2024, contributing to a total of 42,000 migrants who have illegally entered Greece so far this year. Many have arrived via small boats on the eastern Aegean Sea islands, often setting out from Turkey.
The journey from Libya to Crete typically takes at least two days, making it significantly longer and more treacherous than the fast boat trips from Turkey to the eastern islands, which can take less than an hour. However, smuggling boats from Turkey must often evade the constant patrols of the Greek coast guard, adding an extra layer of risk to an already hazardous journey.
Despite the growing number of migrants arriving in Greece, Italy remains the primary destination for those crossing into Europe illegally, with over 51,000 arrivals so far in 2024. Spain follows closely behind in terms of migrant arrivals.
The Mediterranean continues to be a focal point of Europe’s migrant crisis, with authorities across the region working tirelessly to manage the ongoing influx of people seeking safety and stability on the continent.