Crete: A total of 50 undocumented migrants were rescued off the southern coast of Crete Island, Greek authorities said on Wednesday. The authorities added that the migrants had earlier been spotted aboard a small dinghy about 40 nautical miles off Ierapetra, on the island's southern coast.
According to Qatar News Agency, the migrants were first detected by an aircraft operated by the European Union border agency Frontex. They were then rescued by a Greek Coast Guard vessel with assistance from a private boat sailing in the area and subsequently transported to the port of Ierapetra.
The authorities did not immediately release information on the migrants' nationalities or health conditions. A substantial number of migrants are attempting to reach Crete from the Libyan coast ahead of entering the European Union.