300 Migrants Rescued from Stormy Mediterranean Waters Reach Greek Island

A fishing boat carrying nearly 300 migrants to Europe safely reached the southern Greek island of Gavdos on Monday following a large rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea, Greek authorities said.

The coast guard reported no immediate injuries or illnesses among the 283 migrants. According to their statement, authorities launched a search before dawn after being notified that a migrant vessel was battling high winds south of Crete.

Two coast guard vessels, four merchant ships, and two smaller private boats participated in the rescue. They located the struggling fishing boat 18 nautical miles (20 miles) south of Gavdos. Ultimately, the vessel was able to reach the port of Gavdos under its own power, allowing the migrants to safely disembark.

Information regarding the migrants’ nationalities and departure point was not immediately available.

Among the  283 people , as reported by Cretalive , there are 5 minors and several women, while the vast majority of them are adult men of various nationalities (from Pakistan, Syria, Bangladesh, etc.).

In recent months, the small island of Gavdos has become a frequent destination for migrant boats crossing the Mediterranean from eastern Libya. Individuals from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, seeking a better life in Europe, typically pay smugglers thousands of dollars for passage on these often overcrowded and dangerous vessels.

This incident follows the tragic sinking of a rusty trawler carrying an estimated 750 people in June 2023. The trawler, en route from Tobruk in eastern Libya to Italy, sank off southwestern Greece, leaving hundreds feared drowned. Only 104 passengers survived, and 82 bodies were recovered.

The coast guard confirmed the migrants who reached Gavdos on Monday were transported to southern Crete, and will later be taken to the western port town of Hania.