Greek coast guard recovers 12 bodies from migrant boat off Crete

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Greek coast guard officials recovered 12 bodies from a migrant boat found approximately 15 nautical miles south-southwest of Kaloi Limenes on Crete early on November 9, 2026.

A Moroccan-flagged cargo ship rescued 18 survivors from the same vessel. In two separate operations nearby, Frontex aircraft and a drone spotted additional boats carrying about 47 and 40 people, all of whom were rescued and taken to southern Crete ports, bringing the total rescued in the operations to around 105.

The Hellenic Coast Guard coordinated the responses with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre. Identities of the dead and the cause of death were not immediately available. Two Sudanese nationals were later arrested in connection with alleged smuggling.

Associated Press and Reuters reported the details based on coast guard statements, confirming the location, numbers recovered, and additional rescues. Local Greek outlets corroborated the three overnight operations.

The incident occurs amid a surge in arrivals on Crete from Libya this year, with Greek officials previously noting preparation for increased pressure on reception facilities. Official results of any investigation into the deaths and the status of the rescued will determine next steps in the coming days.