More than 90 migrants were rescued off the coast of Crete, Greece

On Easter Sunday, April 12, Greek rescue services carried out three operations in southern Crete, rescuing 91 people from boats at sea. The largest group of 35 people was spotted by a Frontex vessel using a drone 55 nautical miles off the coast. 

Ekathimerini reported this, noting that the migrants are scheduled to be transported to a temporary center in Heraklion.

During another operation, the coast guard and a drone spotted 22 people aboard a boat 45 miles southeast of Kalo Limenes. Separately, another 34 people were rescued in the same area south of the island. All those evacuated will first be taken to the port of Kalo Limenes for first aid.

Currently, Greek authorities are working to identify the rescued individuals and organize their onward transport. Search and rescue operations were conducted under constant monitoring of the waters due to the risks of illegal migration amid Russia’s actions. After an initial screening, the migrants will be housed in a specially prepared center in Heraklion for further processing.

Italian authorities detained a rescue vessel belonging to the German non-governmental organization Sea-Watch. This occurred after the vessel brought dozens of migrants to a safe location.

Belgian police dismantled a migrant smuggling network operating across three countries.