Twelve migrants found dead on boat near Crete

Twelve migrants were found dead on a boat off the island of Crete, and authorities rescued 18 other survivors from the same vessel.

Details

The rescue took place about 15 nautical miles off the port of Kaloi Limenes on Monday, November 9, 2026. A coast guard official stated that the cause of death for the 12 migrants was not immediately clear. Alongside those pulled from this boat, authorities rescued dozens of other people in two separate incidents off the coast of Crete, and all survivors are being brought ashore.

Context

Greece has long served as a main entry point to Europe for people fleeing parts of West Asia, Africa, and Asia. While overall arrivals dropped after the country strengthened its sea and border patrols, authorities have recently noted a sharp rise in boats trying to reach Crete from northeastern Libya.