Greek coast guard authorities detained 107 migrants in coordinated operations near Crete this week, spotlighting Europe's escalating Mediterranean migration crisis. Deputy Maritime Affairs Minister Stefanos Gikas confirmed the nation has faced intensified pressure since late 2023, with over 47,000 illegal entries recorded in 2024 alone.
In the first incident, officers boarded the Liberian-flagged cargo ship CL Heidi after tracking its voyage from Libya's Tobruk port. Authorities arrested two suspected smugglers transporting 42 male migrants. Separately, 65 individuals were discovered on Gavdos Island – a remote outpost south of Crete – with one requiring emergency hospitalization.
This surge directly correlates with conflicts destabilizing the Middle East,stated Gikas during a parliamentary address.
Key developments in Greece's border crisis:
- 625 smuggling-related arrests made this year
- 2 major maritime interdictions within 48 hours
- Medical emergencies rising among displaced populations
Analysts note the eastern Mediterranean route has regained prominence as Syrian civil war displacements and Yemeni instability push migration numbers toward pre-pandemic levels. While EU border agency Frontex reports a 117% year-over-year increase in Aegean Sea crossings, Greek officials emphasize enhanced patrols intercepted 84% more vessels compared to 2023.