Greek authorities have detained 107 migrants in two separate operations near Crete, as officials report an increase in people trying to cross the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
A cargo ship assisted in the rescue of 42 men from a boat in distress that was abandoned and later broke up after hitting rocks, according to the coast guard.
Survivors told authorities they had departed from the Libyan port of Tobruk. Two men were arrested on smuggling charges.
In the second incident, 65 migrants were found on the island of Gavdos, south of Crete. One man required medical assistance and was taken to a hospital.
Speaking in parliament, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs Stefanos Gikas said authorities have seen a surge in illegal migration since late 2023, attributed to conflicts in the Middle East.
Gikas said 47,267 people entered Greece illegally in 2024, while 625 people were arrested on smuggling charges.