Overview
- The Hellenic Coast Guard located a disabled vessel off Crete containing 18 bodies and rescued two survivors, according to public broadcaster ERT.
- Survivors told rescuers they lost control during a severe storm and later drifted without food, water or shelter.
- Initial medical assessments indicate hypothermia and exhaustion as the likely causes of death.
- Officials said the 18 people had been dead for more than a day when the boat was discovered.
- Forensic experts and coast guard investigators are examining the boat to determine identities, origins and circumstances, as the Tobruk–Crete route remains active and UNHCR reports nearly 17,000 arrivals on Crete this year.