Sea tragedy off the coast of Crete: dozens of migrants in danger

A disaster off the southern coast of Crete has claimed the lives of migrants and left their companions in uncertainty. Early Saturday morning, a wooden vessel carrying approximately 50 people ran into trouble in extreme conditions. Authorities fear the final death toll could rise significantly.

Circumstances of the Crete Disaster

The tragedy occurred during stormy weather. According to RTHK, at the time of the incident, the sea was experiencing gale-force winds, and wave heights reached about 2.5 meters. When rescue boats approached the distressed vessel, a critical event occurred — the people onboard began moving en masse to one side of the boat, causing it to lose balance.

Rescue Operation and Current Situation

Rescue efforts have managed to save 20 people from the water, who were transported by a cargo ship flying the Panamanian flag. Greek coast guard services and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency found several bodies in the area of the incident. The search for the missing continues with all available resources. Officially, at least five deaths have been confirmed, but more than twenty people are still missing, and their fate remains unknown.

Scope of Search and Rescue Operations

The regions around Crete remain on high alert. Specialists from various countries are arriving to participate in rescue operations. The tragedy once again highlights the serious risks associated with crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Finding the survivors remains a priority for all involved services, and authorities are calling for maximum vigilance in dangerous maritime zones.