Archive · 7 Dec 2025
18 Migrants Drown in Greek Waters
A boat carrying migrants turned over in the sea near the Greek island of Crete.
Sadly, 18 people drowned, but 2 people were saved.
A big Turkish ship saw the boat and told the Greek authorities about the problem.
The Greek coast guard shared this news on Saturday.
The survivors said they lost control of the boat during a bad storm and didn't have access to food, water, or shelter.
The Greek government has been stopping asylum hearings for migrants coming from Libya, which some people think is not fair.
At least 18 migrants drowned when their inflatable boat capsized south of the island of Crete, Greece.
Two survivors were found in critical condition and hospitalized; they reported losing control of the vessel during a severe storm.
The boat was found drifting 26 nautical miles southwest of Crete, with bodies discovered inside the partly deflated vessel.
Greek authorities, including coastguard vessels and EU border agency Frontex, conducted rescue operations.
The Greek government has suspended asylum hearings for migrants arriving from Libya, citing the need to counter what they describe as an 'invasion' from North Africa.
- Who
- 18 migrants and 2 survivors
- What
- Migrant boat overturned, causing deaths
- When
- December 6
- Where
- 26 nautical miles southwest of Crete, Greece
- Why
- Boat overturned due to severe storm, leading to dehydration and drowning
Greek Government
Migrants and Humanitarian Groups
Asylum Suspension
Greek Government
Greece has suspended asylum hearings for migrants, particularly those arriving on Crete from Libya, citing the need to counter what they describe as an 'invasion' from North Africa.
Migrants and Humanitarian Groups
Humanitarian groups argue that suspending asylum hearings is a violation of international law and puts migrants at risk, especially given the dangerous conditions they face during their journeys.
- Location
- 26 nautical miles southwest of Crete, Greece
- Number of deaths
- 18
- Number of survivors
- 2 (in critical condition)
- Detection
- Turkish cargo ship
- Authorities notified
- Greek authorities
- Cause of death
- Dehydration and drowning
- Rescue operations
- Greek coastguard vessels, EU border agency Frontex, and a Super Puma helicopter
- Yearly migrant arrivals to Crete
- More than 16,770
