Newsflash from Friday, 31 October 2025:
Greek authorities have carried out two additional migrant rescue operations since yesterday afternoon, continuing a tense 24-hour period in the waters south of Crete. The latest incident occurred 10 nautical miles east of Gavdos, where a boat carrying 49 people was spotted by a Frontex patrol vessel early this morning.
The Hellenic Joint Rescue Coordination Center (EKSED) coordinated the mission, which unfolded under favorable weather conditions and concluded successfully. All 49 migrants were safely transferred to Palaiochora, where they are receiving medical attention and humanitarian support before being moved to Agia, joining others rescued in earlier operations.
This marks the third rescue effort in just a few hours, underscoring the persistent migration pressures in the southern Aegean. Over the past days, the region has seen a surge in small boats attempting the dangerous crossing toward Crete, often overloaded and without proper safety equipment.
Local officials praised the swift and coordinated response of the Greek Coast Guard and Frontex, noting that such missions require precision, speed, and compassion. “Our teams are working tirelessly to ensure that every life at sea is protected,” one official said.
The repeated rescues highlight both the humanitarian dimension of migration in the Mediterranean and the ongoing operational challenges faced by Greece as a frontline EU member state.
As weather conditions remain calm, authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance in anticipation of further arrivals.
Source: Nea Kriti
65 Migrants Rescued South of Gavdos — Fifth Boat Intercepted Off Crete in Ongoing Sea Crossings
Another migrant rescue operation unfolded south of Gavdos Island yesterday, as the Greek Coast Guard, supported by Frontex, successfully saved 65 people from a distressed vessel in the early morning hours.
According to local reports, the boat was detected adrift in the Libyan Sea, several nautical miles south of Gavdos — Greece’s southernmost point. The rescue effort was coordinated by the Hellenic Joint Rescue Coordination Center (EKSED) and involved multiple patrol boats and a Frontex aircraft monitoring the area.
All 65 migrants were safely transferred to Palaiochora, Crete, where they received first aid, food, and water from local authorities and humanitarian organizations. None of the passengers were reported injured, though many appeared exhausted after spending hours at sea.
This incident marks the fifth migrant vessel to reach Crete in recent days, signaling a sharp increase in sea crossings from North Africa amid calmer weather conditions. The Greek Coast Guard has intensified patrols around Gavdos and southern Crete, as these routes have become increasingly active for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Local officials in Chania praised the swift response of the rescue teams, emphasizing the humanitarian importance of these operations and the need for continued EU support in managing migration pressures across the Mediterranean.
Authorities remain on alert as more boats are expected in the coming days, with weather forecasts indicating favorable sea conditions for crossings.
Source: Creta Live
