Crete: 85 migrants spotted by a Frontex drone and rescued at sea

Eighty-five migrants were rescued this morning off the coast of Kali Limenes, a town on the southern coast of Crete. They were aboard two inflatable boats when they were spotted at sea. The Greek coast guard coordinated the operation to take charge of the occupants of the two vessels.

Authorities have not yet released the nationalities of those rescued, their state of health, or where they set sail. No details have been provided regarding the duration of their crossing or the conditions under which they traveled. Their presence aboard simple inflatable boats, however, illustrates the significant risks associated with migratory crossings in the Mediterranean.

A European drone was responsible for their detection.

The boats were located by a drone operated by Frontex, the European agency responsible for supporting member states in monitoring the external borders of the European Union. Following aerial reconnaissance, their position was transmitted to the Greek authorities to organize the intervention. The use of this type of aircraft allows for the monitoring of vast maritime areas and the faster detection of vessels that may be in distress.

Southern Crete is facing an influx of migrants arriving via the maritime routes of the Eastern Mediterranean. Following this rescue, Greek authorities must identify the 85 individuals and organize their care. The operation also underscores the growing role of European technology in monitoring migration flows and triggering rescue operations at sea.