More than 230 migrants reached Greece in small boats over the past two days, marking a significant increase in arrivals amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. This surge includes a notable crossing from North Africa to Greece’s southern mainland, a route that has become increasingly perilous.
Key Takeaways
- Over 230 migrants arrived in Greece in two days, with many coming from Libya.
- A new, longer route from eastern Libya has emerged, posing greater risks.
- The Greek coast guard rescued 75 migrants from a distressed boat south of Crete.
- Authorities are on alert for potential increases in migratory flows due to regional conflicts.
Migrant Arrivals Overview
The recent influx of migrants has raised concerns among Greek authorities, who are preparing for a possible escalation in migratory flows. Nearly half of the recent arrivals took a new and longer route from eastern Libya, which has been deemed riskier than the more common crossings from Turkey.
Rescue Operations
On Friday, the Greek coast guard reported rescuing 75 migrants from a damaged boat south of Crete. These individuals had issued a distress call while at sea and were subsequently picked up by a merchant vessel. This incident highlights the dangers faced by those attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean.
Notable Crossings
Among the recent arrivals, 38 migrants were discovered in southern mainland Greece after a two-day journey from Benghazi, Libya. This crossing raises questions about whether it indicates a new route or simply a navigational error. Two Egyptians were arrested on suspicion of involvement in a smuggling operation that charged each migrant up to €4,500 for the journey.
Shorter Crossings from Turkey
In addition to the longer crossings from Libya, 126 migrants were found on the eastern Aegean Sea islands of Tilos and Symi after making the shorter journey from Turkey. This route is typically faster, allowing smugglers to reach Greece’s eastern islands in under an hour, provided they evade coast guard patrols.
Broader Context
The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and economic hardships in various regions continue to drive tens of thousands of people from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to seek refuge in Europe. According to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), over 42,000 migrants have arrived in Greece so far this year, primarily via small boats from Turkey. The total for 2023 is projected to reach 48,000.
Comparison of Routes
| Route | Duration | Common Departure Points | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libya to Greece | At least 2 days | Eastern Libya | High |
| Turkey to Greece | Under 1 hour | Turkish Coast | Moderate |
Conclusion
As Greece grapples with the challenges posed by increasing migrant arrivals, the government remains vigilant in monitoring the situation. The recent surge underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the desperate measures many are willing to take in search of a better life in Europe.
