In a series of large-scale operations under the coordination of the Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (ESRC) and with the assistance of the Greek coast guard, more than 753 immigrants were rescued in the sea surrounding the island of Gavdos.
According to the national Greek coast guard - Hellenic Coast Guard - the largest operation was recorded 25 nautical miles southeast of Gavdos, where 430 people aboard an overloaded fishing boat were rescued. They were assisted by a patrol boat and a tanker flying the flag of Panama. The rescued persons were transported to the port of Agia Galini.
Earlier, 67 other migrants were spotted 30 nautical miles south of Gavdos by a cargo ship flying the flag of the Marshall Islands. They were also intercepted and transferred to the port of Palaiochora in Crete.
In a separate incident, close to two dozen others were intercepted by a coast guard patrol boat near Gavdos and were taken to the island.
More than 70 other were located 32 nautical miles south of Limeni. They were rescued with help from a Portuguese cargo ship and taken safely to the local port.
Two other vessels also arrived in the coastal areas of the municipalities of Gortyna and Heraklion in the nearby island of Crete. All rescued persons were transferred to safe first reception points, where they were registered, administered food, water and treatment.
