Twelve Dead and 18 Rescued After Migrant Vessel Discovered Near Crete

ATHENS, Greece — Greek coast guard officials reported that 12 bodies were recovered from a migrant vessel discovered sailing south of Crete early Monday morning. A Moroccan-flagged cargo ship intercepted the vessel and managed to rescue 18 survivors, according to authorities.

In a separate development, the coast guard confirmed that over 180 individuals were located on three additional vessels attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa toward Crete. This incident marks the latest in a continuous stream of migrant departures from Libya, a route that has become a primary corridor for those seeking entry into Europe.

Details regarding the identities of the deceased or the specific cause of the fatalities have not yet been released. The original vessel was located approximately 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers) south of Crete during the early hours of Monday.

During the same period, authorities intercepted two other boats south of the island: one carrying approximately 47 passengers and another carrying about 40. The first was detected via aircraft from the European Union’s border agency, Frontex, while the second was identified by a Frontex drone.

Additionally, a Frontex drone spotted a third boat carrying roughly 100 people sailing 47 nautical miles (87 kilometers) south of Crete later that morning. All passengers from these three vessels are being transported to Crete, officials stated.

Greece serves as a major gateway into the European Union for individuals escaping conflict and economic hardship in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In recent months, thousands have attempted the dangerous maritime journey from North Africa, specifically from Libya to Crete. Another frequent, though often equally hazardous, route involves crossing the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Greek islands using unstable inflatable dinghies.

The dangers of these crossings were highlighted last month when 12 people, including an infant, lost their lives when two boats capsized while traveling from Turkey toward the islands of Lesbos and Samos.

According to Frontex, while irregular border crossings into the European Union have decreased by one-third this year, the eastern Mediterranean remains the most heavily utilized route for migrants.

Data from the agency indicates that approximately 31,800 crossings were recorded during the first three quarters of 2026, representing a 15% decrease compared to the same period last year. The maritime corridor from Libya to Crete remains the most active segment of the route, surpassing both the eastern Aegean islands and the land borders with Turkey.

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