The number of migrants and refugees arriving from Libya to Crete has sharply increased recently. According to an update by the Hellenic Coast Guard on Sunday (06.07.2025), more than 750 migrants were rescued during new operations conducted along the southern shores of the island.
A series of large-scale operations, coordinated by the Unified Coordination Center for Search and Rescue (EKSAD) and supported by the Hellenic Coast Guard, saved over 753 individuals in recent hours. These rescues occurred in the sea south of Gavdos Island as well as coastal areas of the Gortyna municipality in Heraklion, Crete.
The largest operation was recorded 25 nautical miles southeast of Gavdos, where 430 people aboard an overloaded fishing vessel were rescued with the help of a Coast Guard patrol ship and a Panamanian-flagged tanker. The survivors were transferred to the port of Agia Galini.
Earlier, 67 migrants were located 30 nautical miles south of Gavdos by a Marshall Islands-flagged cargo ship and taken to Paleochora port. Another 20 individuals were rescued by a Coast Guard patrol boat south of Gavdos and brought to the island.
Additionally, 73 people were rescued 32 nautical miles south of Kaloi Limenes with assistance from a Portuguese-flagged cargo ship, under favorable weather conditions (3 Beaufort winds), and safely reached the local harbor.
On land, two new arrivals were recorded in coastal areas of the Gortyna municipality in Heraklion. Specifically, 96 migrants were found at Loutro Beach and 67 individuals in the Lentas area. All rescued persons were transferred to safe first reception points where they received care and were registered.