12 migrants found dead, 105 rescued off Greece’s Crete

Twelve migrants were found dead and around 105 others were rescued in three separate operations off the southern coast of Crete, Greek authorities said Monday.

In the deadliest incident, a Moroccan-flagged container ship spotted a migrant boat about 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers) southeast of Kali Limenes, according to Greek daily Kathimerini.

A Greek Coast Guard vessel rushed to the scene, rescuing 18 survivors and recovering the bodies of 12 people.

In two separate incidents, boats carrying 47 and 40 migrants were spotted approximately 30 and 31 nautical miles (56 and 57 kilometers) south of Kali Limenes.

Frontex aerial assets, including manned and unmanned aircraft, assisted in locating the boats.

A total of 87 migrants were rescued by Frontex vessels and were expected to be transferred to the port of Kali Limenes.

The incidents bring the total number of migrants rescued in the three operations to around 105.