At least five migrants drowned near Gavdos Island, close to Crete, after their wooden boat capsized. Witnesses report that many migrants are still missing, and search operations are underway.
The search involves coast guard boats, an Italian frigate, and a naval aircraft. So far, 39 men, mostly from Pakistan, have been rescued by nearby cargo ships and taken to Crete, according to the coast guard.
In a separate incident, a cargo ship rescued 47 migrants from another sinking vessel 40 nautical miles away, and a tanker saved 88 migrants 28 nautical miles south of Gavdos. The coast guard believes the boats likely departed from Libya.
Incidents involving migrant boats near Crete and Gavdos have increased this year.
Source: NOS