Over 840 migrants rescued in five days off southern Crete

Saturday 27 December 2025 - 11:30

By: Sahili Aya

Over 840 migrants rescued in five days off southern Crete

Crete, December 27, 2025 — Greek coast guards rescued more than 840 migrants in the past five days off the southern coast of Crete, authorities confirmed on Saturday.

On Saturday morning alone, 131 migrants were rescued 14 nautical miles south of the small island of Gavdos, while 395 others had been saved the previous day near the same area. The migrants were transported safely to Gavdos port. Their nationalities were not immediately disclosed.

The region sees frequent attempts by migrants to cross from Turkey to Greek islands or from Libya to Crete, often in overcrowded and unsafe boats. Earlier in December, 17 migrants died and 15 went missing after their vessel sank off Crete. Only two survived. Most of the victims were Sudanese and Egyptian nationals.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, more than 16,770 asylum seekers have arrived in Crete since the start of the year, far exceeding arrivals on other Aegean islands.

The Greek government temporarily suspended asylum processing for arrivals in Crete from Libya in July, citing increased migrant flows. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the measure as “absolutely necessary,” while Migration Minister Thanos Plevris repeatedly emphasized that Greece “is not a hotel” for asylum seekers.