- The Hellenic Coast Guard intercepted 54 individuals (mostly Sudanese nationals) 57 nautical miles southeast of Kaloi Limenes; they have already been transferred to Heraklion port.
- Rescuers located a separate group of 49 individuals 24 nautical miles southwest of Ierapetra and brought them ashore, with transfer to Heraklion underway.
- The second group comprises 42 men, 3 women, and 4 minors, hailing from Sudan, South Sudan, and Egypt.
- The double rescue is significant, showing the scale of ongoing migrant arrivals along Crete’s southern maritime approaches.
The Hellenic Coast Guard has carried out two separate rescue and interception operations off Crete’s southern coast, bringing a total of 103 foreign nationals ashore in less than 24 hours.
Kaloi Limenes Operation
In the first operation, a Coast Guard patrol vessel intercepted a vessel carrying 54 individuals 57 nautical miles southeast of Kaloi Limenes. The group consisted of 50 men and 4 women, predominantly 48 Sudanese nationals and 6 Somali nationals. Following their pickup, the 54 individuals were safely transported to the port of Heraklion.
Ierapetra Interception
Concurrently, a second maritime operation unfolded further east. Authorities located and intercepted a second boat carrying 49 individuals 24 nautical miles southwest of Ierapetra.
Authorities brought the group directly to the port of Ierapetra for initial processing and shelter. The manifest includes 42 adult men, 3 women, and 4 minors. According to preliminary official data, the group comprises 45 Sudanese nationals, 1 from South Sudan, and 3 Egyptian nationals. Arrangements are underway to transfer them to Heraklion.