In the early hours of the morning, FRONTEX forces proceeded to pick up a total of approximately 70 foreign nationals, as part of two search and rescue operations coordinated by the Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center (EKSED) in the sea area south of Gavdos.

Specifically, a FRONTEX aircraft initially spotted a rubber dinghy carrying approximately 34 people, 20 nautical miles south of Gavdos; they were rescued by a FRONTEX vessel.

In a second operation, another small boat carrying approximately 36 foreign nationals was spotted 23 nautical miles south-southeast of Gavdos, with the passengers also being rescued by a FRONTEX vessel.

The survivors were transported to the port of Gavdos, while according to the Coast Guard, weather conditions in the area were favorable.

Source: APE-MPE