Over the past three days, more than 1,200 migrants have been detained on the Greek island of Crete and the nearby islet of Gavdos, amid a sharp increase in arrivals from Libya.
The Greek coast guard reported multiple rescues off Crete’s southern coastline, including 489 people brought ashore on Monday alone.
This surge coincided with a diplomatic visit by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to Libya, where talks were held with both the internationally recognised government and its rival administration in an attempt to tackle the migration crisis and address maritime disputes.
Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated that nearly 8,000 migrants have arrived on Crete so far this year and warned that, if diplomacy fails, Greece may implement “stricter and far more large-scale measures to ensure the country is protected.” He acknowledged the “significant strain” placed on local residents.
Migrants often attempt the 350-kilometre sea crossing in unsafe vessels – either hastily built or adapted from derelict boats. Gavdos, a small island with limited infrastructure, has been overwhelmed, with dinghies littering its remote pebble beaches.
Source: Ekathimerini
