Greek authorities reported that more than 230 migrants successfully arrived in Crete over the weekend after crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa. This significant influx occurred through six separate crossings and represents a sharp increase compared to the few dozen migrants who typically use the more common route from Turkey to the nearby eastern Aegean islands.
In recent months, Crete has emerged as a notable destination for migrants willing to undertake the perilous journey from Libya. As the number of arrivals continues to rise, the Greek government is considering establishing state-funded migrant processing centers on the island, which has a population of approximately 625,000 residents, to better support local authorities in managing the situation.
The journey from Libya to Crete is particularly treacherous, taking at least two days, in stark contrast to the faster routes from Turkey, which can take under an hour for a smuggling boat, provided it evades the vigilant coast guard patrols.
Greek officials are also preparing for a potential surge in arrivals as refugees flee ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza. The migrants arriving in Crete over the weekend predominantly reported being from Egypt, Sudan, or Bangladesh.
According to the Greek coast guard, the largest single group of migrants consisted of 55 individuals who were rescued by a merchant ship late Saturday after their boat encountered difficulties south of Crete. All the migrants reported departing from the eastern Libyan port of Tobruk, having paid smuggling gangs between 9,000 euros ($9,800) each for their passage. Authorities also arrested a dozen individuals from the boats on suspicion of being connected to smuggling operations.
Additionally, around 100 more migrants reached Crete on Friday, further highlighting Greece’s role as a crucial entry point for individuals from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia seeking a better life in the European Union. Until now, most migrants have predominantly crossed from Turkey in small boats.