Overview
- Greek Coast Guard located an adrift, partially sunken vessel south of Crete with 18 deceased on board.
- Two survivors told responders they lost control during a severe storm and then drifted without water, food or shelter.
- A Turkish freighter spotted the wreck about 40 kilometers south of the islet of Chrysi and alerted Greek authorities.
- Authorities say the victims had been dead for more than a day when found, and forensic teams are working to determine events and identify them.
- UNHCR counts nearly 17,000 arrivals to Crete this year, with a Frontex ship and plane, a Coast Guard helicopter, and three merchant vessels supporting the operation.