Twelve people have died and approximately 105 others have been rescued following three separate migrant boat incidents south of Crete, according to Greek media reports.
The incidents unfolded overnight, prompting a series of search and rescue operations involving the Hellenic Coast Guard and vessels operated by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.
In the first incident, a Moroccan-flagged container ship spotted a migrant boat approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Kalamata.
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A Coast Guard vessel was dispatched to the area and recovered 18 survivors and the bodies of 12 people.
The vessel is transporting those rescued to the port of Agia Galini.
Two further rescue operations
Two additional incidents were reported approximately 30 and 31 nautical miles south of Kala Limenas.
The first boat was carrying around 47 people, while approximately 40 others were aboard the second vessel.
Frontex deployed aerial surveillance assets, including a crewed aircraft and an unmanned aircraft, to help locate the boats.
Vessels operated by the European agency subsequently assisted in picking up those on board.
The survivors from the two incidents are expected to be transferred to the port of Kala Limenas.
Authorities are continuing to coordinate the rescue operations and the transfer of survivors.
Weather conditions in the area were reported to be favourable at the time of the incidents.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 12 people have not yet been established.
