Greek authorities have rescued nearly 540 asylum seekers from a fishing vessel in distress off the coast of Crete, highlighting a renewed spike in irregular migration along the eastern Mediterranean route. The rescue took place about 16 nautical miles south of Gavdos, Greece&rsquo;s southernmost island, during a coordinated search operation, the coastguard said.
A coastguard spokesperson said those rescued included nationals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan and the occupied Palestinian territory. The group was taken to the Cretan city of Rethymno, where they underwent medical screening. Following the health checks, their asylum claims will be processed, underscoring Greece&rsquo;s obligation under international law.
The incident followed another rescue a day earlier, when the EU border agency Frontex assisted 70 people, 65 men and five women, from two boats in distress near Gavdos. While overall sea arrivals remain far lower than during the 2015&ndash;16 migration crisis, authorities say Crete and Gavdos have seen a sharp increase in asylum boats, many believed to have departed from Libya.
The developments come ahead of the European Union&rsquo;s new migration and asylum pact, set to take effect next June. Under the framework, frontline states such as Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus will receive operational and financial support from other EU members. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said deporting those whose asylum claims are rejected will be a priority, a stance criticised by human rights groups who warn the pact risks undermining protections for vulnerable migrants.

Greece intercepts major asylum boat as migration pressure rises

Hundreds Saved Off Crete Coast

Greece intercepts major asylum boat as migration pressure rises

December 20, 2025 | 09:15 IST