At least three people died and several others are missing according to survivors, after their wooden boat capsized off the southern coast of Crete early on Saturday (February 21), the Greek coast guard said.

The wooden vessel capsized off Kaloi Limenes, a small village in the Heraklion region. A Panama‑flagged container ship was the first to respond, pulling about 20 people from the water, including migrants from countries such as Egypt and Sudan, who were brought to safety in the port of Kaloi Limenes, Greek authorities said.

The Hellenic Coast Guard said a large‑scale search and rescue operation remains underway for those still missing.

Greece, in the southeast corner of the European Union, has long been a favoured gateway to Europe for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

KALOUS LIMENES, CRETE ISLAND, GREECE (FEBRUARY 21, 2025) (REUTERS – Access All)

1. VARIOUS OF FRONTEX VESSEL OFF PORT OF KALOI LIMENES AS MIGRANTS TRANSFER TO SMALLER BOAT ESCORTED BY GREEK COAST GUARD

2. VARIOUS OF RESCUED MIGRANTS BEING BROUGHT ASHORE AT KALOI LIMENES PORT

3. VARIOUS OF MIGRANTS DISEMBARKING AT PORT

4. VARIOUS OF MIGRANTS LINED UP AT PORT AS COASTGUARD OFFICIALS PERFORM HEADCOUNT

5. VARIOUS OF MIGRANTS WALKING THROUGH KALOI LIMENES VILLAGE