Authorities set up makeshift tents at a stadium in Rethymno to temporarily shelter 501 people rescued from a boat off the southern coast of Crete on Saturday night. They were transferred there by local officials for processing and initial care. The arrival sparked concern among residents and business owners, as the area is densely populated and located in a part of the city known for its many hotels. [goodnet.gr]
Greece is deploying naval forces to combat a surge in migrant arrivals as organized smuggling networks establish a new route from Libya’s eastern coast to Crete, raising concerns about a potential mass migration wave.
The Greek government announced it will position two frigates and a general support vessel south of Crete, extending to the limits of Libyan territorial waters. The decision follows a dramatic increase in migrant arrivals on Crete’s southern shores and the island of Gavdos.
“The traffickers will not dictate who enters the country,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared during a meeting with President Konstantinos Tasoulas on Monday, signaling the government’s determination to address the crisis.
The new smuggling corridor originates from Libya’s eastern coastline, particularly around Tobruk, with Crete as the primary destination. This route now represents the greatest migration pressure facing Greece, according to defense officials.
European Union leaders are increasingly worried about developments in the Middle East potentially triggering another massive refugee crisis, with no immediate de-escalation visible on the horizon.
The National Security Council (KYSEA) addressed the escalating migrant flows during Sunday’s session, determining that the situation represents a permanent shift rather than a temporary surge. Officials emphasized the need for serious countermeasures to prevent Crete from becoming Europe’s new primary gateway.
Defense Ministry sources indicate the frigates offer superior surveillance capabilities, enabling earlier detection of smuggling vessels and faster coast guard intervention. The naval presence is also expected to serve as a deterrent to trafficking operations.
“The responsibility for addressing illegal flows remains with the coast guard, and navy forces are deployed to facilitate the coast guard and assist Libyan authorities,” explained a source familiar with operational planning.
Simultaneously, Athens is pursuing diplomatic channels to strengthen cooperation with Libya. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis plans to visit Libya in early July, with migration featuring prominently on the agenda.
Migration and Asylum Minister Makis Voridis has repeatedly stressed the critical importance of reaching an agreement with Libya. Greece has offered to provide Libyan authorities with boats, radar systems and drones to improve coastline surveillance and enable immediate detection and return of vessels attempting to reach Greek islands.
The deployment underscores Greece’s commitment to preventing organized trafficking networks from exploiting the Libya-Crete route as migration pressures mount across the Mediterranean.