A total of 79 migrants have been rescued from two separate boats off the coast of Crete, according to Greek authorities, in the latest incident highlighting the ongoing migration challenges in the Mediterranean.
Coast guard officials said the rescue operation was launched after receiving distress signals from the vessels, which were found struggling in difficult conditions south of the island. The boats were carrying men, women and children who had reportedly set out hoping to reach Europe.
Rescue teams were quickly deployed and managed to bring all passengers to safety, transferring them to the shore where they received medical attention and basic assistance. Authorities said no injuries were reported to be life threatening, though several people were in need of care due to exhaustion and exposure.
The rescued migrants are expected to be taken to temporary reception facilities on Crete, where their identities and origins will be established as part of standard procedures. Investigations are also underway to determine the circumstances of their journey and whether smuggling networks were involved.
The incident comes amid a continued rise in crossings in the eastern Mediterranean, with Crete increasingly becoming a route for migrants attempting to reach the European Union.
