Multitude Saved in Mediterranean Near Crete
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The Aegean Sea has seen another wave of harrowing migrant rescues, with the Greek Coast Guard plucking over 700 people from distressed vessels drifting in international waters south of Crete. On Friday morning alone, 278 migrants were rescued, the majority from boats originating from Libya.
These people were examined by medical professionals and their identities are being confirmed. The lucky survivors are expected to be transported to registration camps on the mainland, according to journalists on the scene. Notably, four merchant ships also joined the rescue efforts, as reported by Coast Guard sources.
Recently, the number of migrants arriving on the picturesque island of Crete has been on the rise. Just a day prior, around 400 migrants were rescued off the island of Gavdos, south of Crete, in three separate operations. They were taken to a temporary reception center, reportedly originating from the Libyan port of Tobruk, hailing from North African and Middle Eastern nations, according to the island's Coast Guard.
Data from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) shows that since the start of the year, over 6,500 migrants have landed on Crete. This number increased rapidly, with around 5,700 migrants arriving by June 15. The government of Athens is not only grappling with this influx but is also calling for a more equitable distribution of refugee responsibility within the European Union. They've expressed opposition to plans in Germany to repatriate refugees who have already received asylum in Greece.
It's important to note that while Greece remains a significant landing spot for migrants and asylum seekers in the EU, data on the exact increase in migrant arrivals specifically on Crete from January 2021 to the present day is not readily available. However, Greece processed 325 asylum applications under an accelerated procedure in December 2024, indicating ongoing migration processing activity.
As the Coast Guard continues its lifesaving missions, the fate of these refugees lies in the hands of EU policymakers, who must navigate the complexities of migration, asylum, and international cooperation while ensuring human rights remain a top priority.
The escalating migrant crisis in the Aegean Sea, as demonstrated by the recent rescue operations led by the Greek Coast Guard, is gaining traction in the general-news and politics circles. The surge in migrant arrivals on the island of Crete, as reported by the UNHCR, has prompted the Greek government to advocate for a fairer distribution of refugee responsibility within the European Union, amidst disputes over repatriation plans in Germany.
