The bodies of at least 17 migrants and asylum seekers were recovered from a partially deflated boat about 26 nautical miles (48km) southwest of Crete, Greece’s coastguard said. Two survivors were also found and have been hospitalised in critical condition.
A coastguard spokeswoman told AFP that all the victims were men and that autopsies are needed as the circumstances of the incident remain unclear. The vessel was spotted by a Turkish cargo ship, which alerted authorities. Greek coastguard vessels were dispatched to the scene, and the EU border agency Frontex sent a boat, an aircraft and a Super Puma helicopter to assist.
The two survivors told rescuers the vessel had become unstable in bad weather and that those on board had no shelter, food or water. The boat had been taking on water when it was discovered. Manolis Frangoulis, mayor of the Cretan port of Ierapetra, said the victims were all young and that the vessel had been deflated on two sides, forcing passengers into a reduced space.
Greek state television ERT reported coroners are examining dehydration as a possible cause of death.
Crete has become a route for migrants and asylum seekers attempting to reach EU territory from Libya. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, says more than 16,770 people seeking asylum in the EU have arrived via Crete since the start of the year. In July, Greece’s conservative government led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis suspended asylum hearings for migrants, particularly those arriving on Crete from Libya. Libya has faced conflict since the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.
