The influx of refugees to Crete is breaking all records – 2,000 arrivals in June alone. Now an old fishing boat has arrived with over 500 people in its hold.
Migration flows to Crete have surged, with thousands of arrivals already recorded in the first half of 2025.
Many migrants are turning up along the southern shores of Crete and even on Gavdos.
The sudden influx is straining local facilities—overcrowding and rough conditions are the new normal at temporary holding sites, like that old Cold Storage building at Heraklion port.
The Ministry of Migration and Asylum keeps saying there needs to be tighter cooperation with Libya if this is ever going to be managed better.
Migrants who skip return procedures now face tougher detention.
Despite attempts to get things under control, the spike in arrivals is making it nearly impossible for local authorities to provide humane accommodation or even basic transport.
Watch the video:
- Rising flows of migrants arrive daily
- Sharp increase in arrivals on Crete
- Visual footage shows migratory flows clearly
- Hundreds of new arrivals documented recently
- Video captures key moments of the crisis
Operation to Transfer 500 Migrants Arriving at Agia Galini
Roughly 500 migrants showed up by ship at Agia Galini early Sunday morning.
There were men, women, and kids—mostly young people, but a few older faces too.
Most said they were from Egypt, but there were also some from Bangladesh, Sudan, and elsewhere.
Hardly anyone had official papers on them.
The vessel was spotted off Agia Galini the afternoon before.
Coast guard and local authorities were on edge, given the sheer number packed on board.
The ship got close to the port around 7 a.m., but strong southern winds kept everyone waiting—unloading didn’t start till about 7:30 a.m.
Rescue efforts dragged on through Saturday night.
Rethymno Coast Guard, led by Captain Kyriakos Pattakos, teamed up with the army to organize tents and temporary shelter.
One man was hurt and needed an ambulance to the hospital.
Transport plans were already in motion at Agia Galini’s port, ready to move people to temporary housing.
Deputy Regional Governor Mary Lionis and the mayors—Giorgos Marınakıs of Rethymno and Giorgos Tatarakis of Agios Vasileios—were on the ground, coordinating as best they could.
Details of the migrant group:
Category |
Approximate Number |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Men |
Majority |
Mostly young, some injured |
Women |
Few |
Includes some mothers |
Children |
Small number |
Accompanying families |
Nationalities |
Mainly Egyptian, some Bangladeshi, Sudanese and others |
Few with papers |
Key points about the operation:
- Ship docked near Agia Galini at 7 a.m. Sunday
- Migrants unloaded from a cargo hold
- Strong southern winds delayed disembarkation
- Overnight rescue operation by coast guard and army
- Temporary shelter set up in sport facilities and other spaces
- Local government and emergency services in constant contact
- Wounded migrant hospitalised
Authorities are scrambling to cover immediate care and get people to bigger reception centers.
The operation’s still ongoing—no one’s sure how long it’ll take to process everyone.
Setting Up Tents for Hundreds of Migrants Found South of Crete – Local Authorities’ Frustration Over the Migrant Issue
Authorities and volunteers worked all night after more than 500 migrants were found late Saturday, 21 June, floating on a fishing boat between Kalo Limenes and Agia Galini, south of Crete.
The Coast Guard, Rethymno Regional Authority, Rethymno Municipality, and volunteers did what they could to bring everyone ashore safely.
Now, the migrants are being bused to an open spot in Rethymno, where temporary tents are going up for accommodation.
The whole process is slow and honestly a logistical headache because of the sheer numbers.
Challenges Faced by Local Authorities
- Lack of Suitable Space: There’s just not enough proper shelter in the region for a group this size.
- Local Concerns: Officials can’t help but worry about how some locals might react.
- Organisational Strain: Emergency services and local government are being pushed to their limits trying to keep things running smoothly and humane.
Communication and Frustration
Local government reps are in near-constant contact with Athens, venting their growing frustration.
They’re warning that the migrant situation in Crete is at a breaking point, calling it a “bomb” ready to go off with these ongoing arrivals and not nearly enough resources.
Key Points Summary
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Number of Migrants |
Over 500 found floating near Crete |
Location of Discovery |
Between Kalo Limenes and Agia Galini (south Crete) |
Responsible Groups |
Coast Guard, Rethymno Regional Authority, Municipality, volunteers |
Temporary Accommodation |
Tents in an open space in Rethymno |
Main Issues |
No proper facilities, risk of local unrest |
Communication |
Ongoing dialogue with Athens, local authorities express frustration |
Over 500 migrants were found floating off Crete, which is unsettling to say the least.
The discovery happened somewhere between Kalo Limenes and Agia Galini, down on the island’s southern coast.
The Coast Guard stepped in, with backup from the Rethymno regional authority, the local municipality, and a handful of volunteers.
For now, everyone’s been put up in tents out in an open area in Rethymno—not exactly ideal, but it’s what’s available.
There aren’t proper facilities on site, and folks are understandably worried about tensions rising in the area.
Local authorities are in touch with Athens, but you can hear the frustration in their voices.
