ATHENS, Greece (AP) – Greek authorities said Tuesday that they detained 107 migrants in two separate operations near Crete.
Maritime superintendents and Maritime Ministry officials said they assisted in rescue of 42 male immigrants from the ship, which was suffering, and later disbanded after raiding the rocks.
Survivors later told authorities that they departed from Libya's Trub port. Authorities arrested two men on smuggling charges.
In the second incident, 65 migrants were found on Gabdos Island, south of Crete. One man needed medical assistance and was taken to a nearby hospital.
Speaking to Congress, Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gicus said the authorities have been dealing with a surge in illegal migration since late 2023. Government officials attribute it to conflicts in the Middle East.
Zikas said 47,267 people went illegal in Greece in 2024, while 625 people were arrested for smuggling charges.
