Twelve Die Off Crete as Greek Authorities Rescue 105 People Across Three Boats

ATHENS, GREECE — Greek maritime authorities reported that 12 people died aboard a boat found south of Crete on Monday, November 9, while 105 people were rescued across three separate operations in the surrounding Mediterranean waters.

A Moroccan-flagged cargo vessel helped alert responders to the first boat, found roughly 15 nautical miles off southern Crete. Eighteen people survived that crossing; authorities recovered the remains of 12 others.

Rescues across three vessels

Two further boats carrying approximately 47 and 40 people were spotted in the area. Rescue personnel, assisted by aircraft and a drone operated by the European Union border agency Frontex, brought those passengers to safety.

The rescue operations were coordinated with Greece's coast guard and maritime authorities. Survivors were being transferred toward ports on Crete's southern coast.

Deaths remain under investigation

Officials had not established how the 12 people on the first boat died. Their identities were not immediately made public, and no definitive cause had been confirmed.

The incident underlines the risks faced by people attempting to cross the Mediterranean, including those using routes between North Africa and the island of Crete.

Search-and-rescue operations are intended to protect life at sea regardless of a person's nationality or immigration status. Questions about safe migration routes, border management and international cooperation remain under discussion throughout Europe.

The figures in this report reflect the coast guard's initial November 9 announcements. They may change as officials complete their assessments.

Institutional source: Hellenic Coast Guard, Greece. https://www.hcg.gr/ . Summary of reported rescue operation: November 9, 2026.