A desperate journey towards Europe has ended in tragedy after at least 13 migrants died when their boat sank off the coast of Crete, Greece.
Greek coastguard officers rescued 18 survivors, all identified as Sudanese nationals, with four requiring hospital treatment, including a toddler. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident amid concerns over dangerous sea crossings used by people seeking safety and better opportunities in Europe.
Highlights
- At least 13 people died after a migrant boat sank near Crete.
- Greek coastguard officers rescued 18 survivors, all Sudanese nationals.
- Four survivors were taken to hospital, including a young child.
- Strong winds are believed to have made the journey more difficult.
- More than 22,000 migrants have reached Crete by sea so far this year.
Main Story
Deadly Boat Accident Off the Coast of Crete
Authorities in Greece are investigating a deadly maritime incident after a boat carrying migrants sank approximately 15 nautical miles (28 kilometres) off the coast of Crete.
At least 13 people lost their lives, while 18 others were rescued following an emergency operation involving the Greek coastguard.
According to authorities, all the survivors were Sudanese nationals. Four were transported to hospital for medical attention, with a toddler among those receiving treatment.
The vessel was initially spotted by a container ship flying the Moroccan flag, which alerted authorities after locating the struggling migrants at sea.
Survivors Found in Difficult Conditions
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear, although preliminary information suggests the boat may have spent several days at sea.
Strong winds are believed to have made it difficult for those aboard to reach the Greek coastline.
A coastguard official who spoke anonymously to Reuters described the rescued passengers as extremely cold, highlighting the difficult conditions they had endured before being found.
Authorities have yet to establish the exact cause of the incident or provide further details about the people who died.
Greece Records More Migrant Arrivals
Crete has increasingly become an important entry point for migrants travelling from North Africa and the Middle East in the hope of reaching Europe.
Figures cited in the report indicate that more than 22,000 of the approximately 86,400 sea arrivals recorded so far this year landed on the island.
The latest incident comes amid continued pressure on Greek authorities as increasing numbers of people attempt dangerous maritime journeys.
On Monday, the Greek coastguard also rescued another 187 migrants in three separate operations along the country’s coastline.
According to United Nations figures, more than 37,000 migrants have reached Greece by sea this year, already exceeding the total recorded throughout 2025.
Greece Plans New Facilities to Manage Migrant Influx
The growing number of arrivals has prompted the Greek government to consider additional measures to manage migration and provide temporary accommodation.
Among the proposed interventions is the establishment of a temporary housing facility near Heraklion, Crete’s largest city and administrative capital.
Greece has previously experienced significant migration pressure, particularly during the 2015–2016 European migration crisis, when nearly one million people arrived on its islands, most travelling from Turkey.
Although arrivals declined following tighter border controls, crossings from Libya have increased in recent years.
Many of those making the journey are fleeing conflict and instability in countries such as Sudan, while others are seeking better economic opportunities. Migrants from countries including Bangladesh have also been recorded along these routes.
Sudanese Nationals Among Those Making Dangerous Journeys
The latest tragedy highlights the risks faced by people escaping conflict, insecurity and difficult economic circumstances in search of a better future.
Sudan has experienced a devastating conflict that has displaced millions of people, forcing many to seek safety beyond its borders.
For those attempting to reach Europe through North Africa, the Mediterranean remains a particularly dangerous route, with overcrowded boats, unpredictable weather and limited access to emergency assistance posing serious threats.
As Greek authorities continue rescue operations and work to establish the circumstances surrounding the latest disaster, concerns remain over the number of lives being lost during attempts to reach European shores.
Behind every migrant boat is a group of people hoping for another chance at life. But as more journeys end in tragedy, the question remains: How many more lives must be lost before safer migration routes become a reality?
