The Hellenic Coast Guard has rescued 283 migrants from a fishing vessel off the coast of Gavdos in a coordinated operation.
The fishing vessel, carrying 278 men and 5 women, was located 18 nautical miles south of Gavdos on Monday.
With assistance from a lifeboat, an Italian fishing boat, and a private speedboat, th eCoast Guard escorted the migrant-laden vessel to the port of Karave on Gavdos, where the migrants were safely disembarked.
Following their rescue, the migrants were transferred onto a passenger ferry and taken to the port of Chora Sfakion. They were then escorted by officers to a temporary holding facility in the Agia area.
The Central Port Authority of Chania, which is conducting an investigation into the incident, has seized the fishing vessel used for the transport.
Gavdos, the southernmost point of Greece, has increasingly become a landing pad for illegal migrants attempting to enter Europe. Its remote location and proximity to popular migrant routes in the Mediterranean make it a frequent target for human traffickers.
The island's limited resources and small population are often overwhelmed by the sudden influx of migrants, putting additional pressure on local authorities and rescue operations.