Greek authorities rescued over 750 migrants in the waters south of Crete and the nearby island of Gavdos over the weekend, highlighting the island’s growing role as a key destination in Mediterranean migration routes.
According to the coast guard, 430 people were found aboard a large vessel south of Gavdos, while another 96 were rescued off southern Crete. The migrants—primarily from Egypt, Bangladesh, and North African countries—had departed from eastern Libya.
In another incident, footage released by officials showed dozens jumping into the sea from an overloaded speedboat in a desperate attempt to reach the shore.
These incidents reflect a sharp shift in migratory patterns. Crete, once largely bypassed by smugglers, is now becoming a primary landing point. In the first half of 2025, arrivals to Crete have already surpassed the total for all of 2024, with over 6,500 recorded.
Local authorities have scrambled to accommodate the influx, converting sports halls and exhibition spaces into temporary shelters.
As we recently reported, the Greek island of Lesbos has all but stopped illegal migrant landings—a strategy that Europe would be well-advised to follow.
