Sun Dec 07 02:47:59 UTC 2025: News Article:

At Least 17 Migrants Found Dead Off Crete, Survivors Hospitalized

CRETE, Greece – At least 17 migrants and asylum seekers have been found dead in a partially deflated boat off the coast of Crete, Greece. The Greek coastguard discovered the bodies, along with two survivors in critical condition, approximately 26 nautical miles southwest of the island on Saturday.

According to the coastguard, all victims were male. The two survivors have been hospitalized as authorities investigate the cause of the tragedy. A coastguard spokeswoman told AFP that autopsies would be performed to determine the circumstances of the sinking.

The vessel was spotted by a Turkish cargo ship, which alerted Greek authorities. The Greek coastguard, along with Frontex, the EU’s border agency, launched a rescue operation involving vessels, an aircraft, and a helicopter.

The survivors reported that their boat became unstable due to adverse weather conditions and lacked supplies for food and water. The boat was also taking on water. The mayor of Ierapetra, Crete, stated that the victims were young. Preliminary investigations suggest that dehydration may have contributed to the deaths, according to Greek state television.

Migrant routes have increasingly shifted to Crete as an entry point to the EU from Libya. The UNHCR reports that over 16,770 asylum seekers have arrived in the EU this year. In July, Greece suspended asylum hearings for migrants, particularly those arriving on Crete from Libya.

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