Greek authorities have intercepted 327 migrants in territorial waters near Crete over a 48-hour period, the country’s public broadcaster ERT reported.
Rescue Operations
On August 13, the Hellenic Coast Guard brought 87 people to safety from two boats roughly 40 kilometres from the port of Kaloi Limenes on Crete’s southern coast. The previous day, about 240 migrants were rescued in five separate operations off southern Crete and the nearby island of Gavdos. Several of the operations involved reconnaissance aircraft from the EU border agency Frontex.
Primary Landing Points
Crete, a popular holiday destination for British tourists, and the smaller island of Gavdos remain the primary landing points for migrants attempting the sea crossing from North Africa. More than half of all irregular entries into Greece this year have come via this route, with around two-thirds of the country’s sea arrivals recorded on Crete.
Departure Points and Journey
Sources within the Greek coastguard told the dpa news agency that dozens of boats are currently trying to reach the islands, most departing from Tobruk in eastern Libya, about 300 kilometres to the south. The journey typically takes 36 hours or longer.
Migration Statistics
Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has said more than half a million people are currently in Libya waiting to attempt the crossing to Europe. According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, more than 10,000 irregular migrants have already arrived on Crete since the start of the year. Arrivals usually rise during the summer months because of calmer seas, though the Mediterranean crossing remains hazardous regardless of the season.
