17 lives lost in migrant boat sinking near Crete

At least 17 migrants died after their overcrowded boat capsized off the southern coast of Crete, Greek authorities said on Saturday. 

Two survivors were rescued but remain in critical condition.

The vessel in distress was first spotted by a Turkish cargo ship about 26 nautical miles (48 kilometres) southwest of Crete, which immediately alerted Greek authorities. A major search-and-rescue operation followed, supported by the European border agency Frontex, which deployed a patrol vessel, surveillance aircraft, and a Super Puma helicopter.

According to the survivors, the boat became unstable in rough seas and ultimately overturned after passengers had already run out of food and drinking water. Greek state broadcaster ERT reported that severe dehydration likely contributed to many of the deaths.

Manolis Frangoulis, mayor of the port city of Ierapetra, described the victims as mostly young men. He said the vessel showed cracks on both sides and was so overcrowded that passengers were trapped in extremely cramped conditions.

The Greek Coast Guard confirmed that all recovered bodies were male. The exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation, though adverse weather and the boat’s poor condition appear to have played key roles.

This tragedy reflects a growing trend: Crete has increasingly become a key entry point for migrants traveling from Libya toward Europe. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 16,770 asylum seekers have arrived in Greece via this Central Mediterranean route so far in 2025.

Humanitarian organisations are again urging European authorities to strengthen search-and-rescue efforts and expand safe, legal pathways to prevent further loss of life at sea.

Source: AFP