Greek Coast Guard Recovers 12 Migrant Bodies Off Crete, Rescues 18 Others

ATHENS — Greek coast guard authorities recovered the bodies of 12 migrants from a vessel off the coast of Crete early Monday, according to an official statement. The cause of deaths remains unclear.

In the same operation, rescue teams saved 18 additional people from the boat, located approximately 15 nautical miles from the port of Kaloi Limenes, a coast guard official said. Dozens more were rescued in two separate incidents off Crete, and all survivors are being brought ashore.

Greece has long served as a primary entry point to Europe for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The country was at the forefront of Europe’s migration crisis during 2015–2016, when nearly 1 million people arrived on its islands, predominantly from Türkiye. While overall arrivals have declined following strengthened sea and border patrols, crossings from northeastern Libya via Crete have recently increased.

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