20 Rescued, Three Dead – Second Vessel with 67 Migrants Intercepted
Authorities have arrested three suspected migrant traffickers following two separate rescue operations south of Kaloi Limenes, in the Municipality of Faistos.
In the first and more serious incident, a migrant boat overturned approximately 15 nautical miles south of Kaloi Limenes during an attempted transfer to a Panama-flagged cargo vessel. The accident occurred amid strong wave conditions.
So far:
- 20 people have been rescued (16 adult men and 4 minors)
- Three male bodies have been recovered
- Search operations remain ongoing
According to survivor statements, approximately 50 individuals were on board the vessel.
The survivors and the recovered bodies were initially transported to Kaloi Limenes and then to the port of Heraklion. The deceased were transferred to the Forensic Laboratory of the University of Crete.
Arrests
During the preliminary investigation conducted by the Central Port Authority of Heraklion, two individuals — aged 25 and 19, nationals of South Sudan and Sudan — were identified as alleged traffickers connected to the fatal boat incident. They face multiple charges under Greek criminal and migration law, including facilitation of illegal entry, exposure, causing shipwreck and negligent homicide.
Authorities state that the group departed on the evening of February 19 from the Tobruk area of Libya. Survivors reported paying significant sums for transport to Greece.
Second Vessel Detected
In a separate but nearly simultaneous operation, a second boat carrying 67 male migrants was located approximately 14.5 nautical miles south of Kaloi Limenes.
All 67 were rescued and transported to Heraklion. A 21-year-old South Sudanese national was arrested as the alleged trafficker in that case and faces charges related to illegal entry facilitation and exposure.
Ongoing Operations
The broader search and rescue effort has involved:
- The Hellenic Coast Guard
- A Hellenic Navy frigate
- Frontex vessels and aerial support
- Four merchant vessels in the area
Weather conditions at the time included southerly winds reaching 5 Beaufort, contributing to the difficulty of rescue operations.
Authorities state that further updates will follow.
