Boat sinking off Crete leaves at least 13 migrants dead and 18 rescued

A boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of the Greek island of Crete, resulting in at least 13 deaths and 18 people rescued, all of whom were Sudanese nationals. Four survivors were taken to hospital, including a toddler.

The Greek coastguard said it was not immediately clear what caused the deaths. Authorities reported that the vessel had likely been at sea for days and had struggled to reach shore due to strong winds.

The migrants’ boat was spotted by a Moroccan-flagged container ship about 15 nautical miles off Crete’s coast, and the coastguard conducted the rescue operation. A coastguard official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said the survivors were shivering from the cold.

The incident occurred amid a larger pattern of arrivals to Crete, which has received more than 22,000 of the 86,400 sea arrivals so far this year. The Greek coastguard also rescued another 187 people in three separate incidents off the coast of Greece on Monday.

United Nations figures show more than 37,000 migrants have arrived in Greece so far this year, already surpassing the total arrivals recorded in 2025. The Greek government has announced plans to address the influx, including opening a temporary housing complex near Heraklion.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The sinking highlights continued pressure on Greek search and rescue services and the ongoing flow of migrants attempting sea crossings to Europe. Crete remains a key gateway for arrivals from the Middle East and North Africa, and the rescues and fatalities underline persistent risks migrants face at sea when crossing under adverse weather conditions.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Thirteen people have died after a migrant boat sank off Crete and 18 survivors were rescued.
• All rescued individuals were Sudanese nationals and four were taken to hospital, including a toddler.
• The boat was located about 15 nautical miles off Crete after being spotted by a Moroccan-flagged container ship.
• Authorities indicated the vessel had likely been at sea for days and faced strong winds while trying to reach shore.
• Crete has received over 22,000 of the 86,400 sea arrivals recorded this year, and Greece rescued another 187 people in separate incidents on the same day.
• UN figures report more than 37,000 migrants have arrived in Greece so far this year, exceeding 2025 totals.
• The Greek government plans to open a temporary housing complex near Heraklion to address the influx.