A boat carrying refugees and migrants capsized 12.5 nautical miles south-west of Gavdos, prompting a night-long scramble to rescue them.
Two floating ships, Coast Guard vessels, an Air Force helicopter and a Navy helicopter rushed to the scene. Winds of 5 Beaufort were blowing in the area, according to a relevant report from ERT.
According to information from ERT Chania, one dead person was pulled from the sea, 37 others were rescued and are being transported to Palaiochora in the Municipality of kandanos - Selinos, and at least 40 people are missing, according to the first testimonies of those. rescue, they were on the boat 80 people. Also, one other man with asthma symptoms was airlifted to Chania Hospital early this morning and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
Other boats were seen
A total of three rescue operations were carried out in the wider area,where,according to the first data,around 124 people have been rescued so far. A few hours later, another boat was seen 40 nautical miles south of Gavdos with 47 migrants in danger on board. They were all rescued from a cargo ship and are also being transported to the port of Paleochora.
Early on Saturday, another boat was seen 28 nautical miles south of Gavdos with around 40 migrants, where a rescue operation is underway.
How can international communities better support rescue operations for refugees at sea?
Q&A Interview: Understanding the Recent Refugee Crisis at Sea
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today.We’re following the recent tragic event where a boat carrying refugees capsized off Gavdos,leading to a massive rescue operation. Can you provide us with a brief overview of what transpired?
Expert: Absolutely. The incident occurred approximately 12.5 nautical miles south-west of Gavdos.A distress call prompted a night-long rescue operation involving multiple floating ships, Coast Guard vessels, and helicopters from both the Air Force and the Navy. At the end of the operation,one deceased individual was recovered,while 37 people were rescued and transported to Palaiochora. Unfortunately, initial reports suggest that around 40 individuals remain missing from the approximately 80 people who were believed to be on the boat.
Editor: It’s deeply concerning to hear about the missing individuals. What factors contributed to the dangerous situation these refugees faced?
Expert: Several factors contribute to the risk migrants and refugees encounter at sea. The conditions at the time of the incident included winds of 5 Beaufort, which can create challenging maritime environments. Additionally, many migrants are forced to take perilous journeys in overcrowded vessels, lacking adequate safety measures. The desperate need to escape their circumstances often outweighs the risks involved in such treacherous undertakings.
Editor: The scenario seems to reflect a growing trend in refugee migration. What insights can you provide regarding the broader implications of this crisis?
Expert: The ongoing refugee crisis indicates systemic issues in home countries conflict, persecution, and extreme poverty. In regions like North Africa and the Middle East, individuals are compelled to seek safer havens through dangerous maritime routes. This situation places a meaningful strain on European countries and highlights the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian responses, policies promoting safe migration, and international collaboration to address root causes.
editor: In the aftermath of such incidents,what practical advice can be offered to communities and organizations involved in rescue operations?
Expert: Communities and organizations engaged in rescue efforts must prioritize effective dialogue and coordination.Training individuals in emergency response techniques—including search and rescue protocols—is essential. Establishing partnerships with NGOs and international agencies can facilitate resource sharing. Lastly,raising awareness about the need for safe passage options for migrants can contribute to prevention efforts and drive policy changes.
Editor: We also learned that during the rescue operations, additional boats with migrants were spotted. What does this indicate about the situation in the region?
Expert: The observation of additional boats confirms that the risk is not isolated to one incident. The broader region is facing an ongoing challenge as smugglers continue to exploit vulnerable populations. The rescue operations that took place, saving over 120 individuals, underline the urgency and need for consistent vigilance in monitoring maritime routes. We need improved intelligence and collaboration between nations to prevent further tragedies.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. as the situation continues to evolve, it’s crucial for readers to stay informed and engaged.
Expert: Thank you for having me. Awareness is key to driving the necessary conversations and actions to protect those at risk and to initiate policy changes that can help improve conditions for migrants worldwide.