Greece Rescues 131 More Migrants off Crete as Dangerous Mediterranean Crossings Surge

Greek authorities have rescued another 131 migrants off the coast of Crete, bringing the total number of people saved in the area over the past five days to 840. Police said the latest group was picked up on Saturday near the island’s coastal zone. Officials have not released any information about their nationalities. After the rescue, the migrants were transferred to the nearby island of Gavdos.

Crete has become a major landing point for people attempting the perilous journey from Libya across the Mediterranean. Unseaworthy boats, harsh weather and the growing influence of human traffickers have made the route increasingly deadly. Earlier in December, at least 17 migrants died when a boat capsized off the Cretan coast. Most of the victims were from Sudan and Egypt. Fifteen others went missing, and only two were found alive by Greek rescuers.

According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, more than 16,770 people have attempted to reach Europe via Crete so far this year, the highest number recorded on any Greek island.