Over 400 migrants land on Crete in a single day, boosting island's influx
More than 400 migrants arrived from Libya on Crete within 24 hours, while several boats continue to bring people to the island.
In the last 24 hours, more than 400 migrants disembarked on Crete after departing from Libya, according to one outlet officials. The Greek coast guard also retrieved individuals from two boats south of the island, while seven other vessels made landfall on Crete or the adjacent island of Gavdos. Crete sees several hundred migrants each day, but it has only one official reception centre in Chania, and the government is attempting to open a second facility near Heraklion despite opposition from residents.
UNHCR data show that thousands of migrants have entered Greece this year, with a significant portion arriving by sea and a smaller number crossing overland. Spain and Italy remain other major entry points for migrants from Africa and the Middle East.
Why it matters
The surge highlights Crete's growing role as a primary gateway for African migrants entering Europe.
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