At least 17 migrants and asylum seekers were found dead on a partially deflated boat about 26 nautical miles (48 km) southwest of Crete, Greece’s coastguard said. Two other people survived and were taken to hospital in critical condition.
A coastguard spokeswoman told AFP that all the recovered victims were men and that autopsies will be required to determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths. The vessel was first spotted by a Turkish cargo ship, which alerted Greek authorities. Coastguard vessels responded, and the EU border agency Frontex deployed a patrol boat, an aircraft and a Super Puma helicopter to assist the operation.
The two survivors reported to rescuers that the boat had become unstable in bad weather and that those aboard had lacked shelter, food and water. When discovered, the craft was taking on water. Manolis Frangoulis, mayor of the port town of Ierapetra in Crete, said the victims appeared to be young and that the boat had been deflated on two sides, forcing passengers into a smaller, cramped space.
Greek state broadcaster ERT reported that coroners are examining dehydration as a possible cause of death. Authorities have not disclosed further details while investigations and autopsies are under way.
Crete has emerged as a route for people attempting to reach EU territory from Libya. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said more than 16,770 asylum seekers have arrived on Crete so far this year. In July, Greece’s conservative government under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis suspended asylum hearings for some migrants, particularly those arriving from Libya. Libya has been affected by ongoing conflict since the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.