More than 350 migrants were rescued from a fishing boat near the Greek island of Gavdos on Thursday night, according to the Greek Coast Guard. The rescue happened about 30 nautical miles south of the island, which is located off the southern tip of Crete.
The boat was first spotted by a vessel from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. Frontex quickly contacted the Greek Coast Guard to alert them of the situation. The Coast Guard then launched a rescue operation.
Four commercial ships that were sailing nearby also joined the rescue effort. Together, they helped bring all the migrants safely onboard and transported them to the port of Paleochora, a town close to Chania in southern Crete.
This operation was one of the biggest migrant rescues in recent weeks near Greece’s sea borders. Many migrants try to cross the Mediterranean in unsafe boats, risking their lives to reach Europe. Gavdos, being the southernmost island of Greece, often becomes a rescue point during such journeys.
Why were the migrants at sea near Gavdos?
Most likely, they were trying to reach Europe from North Africa or the Middle East in search of safety and a better life. These routes are dangerous, and many people rely on overcrowded fishing boats.
Officials have not shared the nationalities of the rescued migrants yet, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are now providing them with basic care and assessing their health before deciding on the next steps.
This rescue highlights the crucial role of cooperation among Frontex, the Greek Coast Guard, and commercial vessels in saving lives at sea. The situation also highlights how migration across the Mediterranean continues to be a serious humanitarian issue that needs global attention.