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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In the first incident, a Moroccan-flagged container ship spotted a migrant boat approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Kalamata.<\/p>\n
Read more: Gavdos Sea Tragedy: 25 Feared Missing After 51 Rescued<\/p>\n
A Coast Guard vessel was dispatched to the area and recovered 18 survivors and the bodies of 12 people.<\/p>\n
The vessel is transporting those rescued to the port of Agia Galini.<\/p>\n
Two further rescue operations<\/strong><\/p>\n Two additional incidents were reported approximately 30 and 31 nautical miles south of Kala Limenas.<\/p>\n The first boat was carrying around 47 people, while approximately 40 others were aboard the second vessel.<\/p>\n Frontex deployed aerial surveillance assets, including a crewed aircraft and an unmanned aircraft, to help locate the boats.<\/p>\n Vessels operated by the European agency subsequently assisted in picking up those on board.<\/p>\n The survivors from the two incidents are expected to be transferred to the port of Kala Limenas.<\/p>\n Authorities are continuing to coordinate the rescue operations and the transfer of survivors.<\/p>\n Weather conditions in the area were reported to be favourable at the time of the incidents.<\/p>\n The circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 12 people have not yet been established.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n