Greek Coast Guard Conducts Dual Rescue Operations
The Greek Coast Guard successfully rescued a total of 52 migrants in two separate incidents on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in the Aegean Sea. While the operations brought many to safety, an extensive search is currently underway for a child reported missing off the island of Farmakonisi.
Search for Missing Child Off Farmakonisi
In the first incident, 13 migrants were discovered on the small, uninhabited island of Farmakonisi, located opposite the Turkish coast. Authorities were alerted to their presence, but during the rescue, a child from the group was reported missing. The Greek Coast Guard immediately launched a wide-scale search operation, deploying both Coast Guard vessels and an air force helicopter to scour the waters off Farmakonisi. The circumstances surrounding the child's disappearance were not immediately clear.
Migrants Rescued Off Southern Crete
Concurrently, in a separate operation, another 39 migrants were rescued from an inflatable boat off the southern coast of Crete. The individuals were safely brought ashore to the village of Kaloi Limenes in Crete. No details regarding the nationalities of the rescued migrants from either incident were immediately provided by authorities.
Perilous Aegean Crossings Continue
These rescue efforts underscore the persistent dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach European Union member states via the Aegean Sea. The sea routes from Turkey or Libya to the Greek islands are notoriously perilous, often undertaken in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels, leading to frequent tragedies. Earlier in December, a grim reminder of these risks occurred when 17 people were found dead and another 15 reported missing after a migrant boat drifted off Crete. That vessel had departed from the Libyan port of Tobruk, with most victims believed to be from Sudan or Egypt. According to the UN refugee agency, more than 16,770 asylum seekers have arrived on Crete since the beginning of the year, making it a significant and increasingly active entry point into Europe.
11 Comments
Coccinella
This shows the desperate need for safe passage. Our hearts go out to these families.
Comandante
Thank goodness for the Greek Coast Guard, saving lives is paramount.
Mariposa
Heartbreaking to hear about the missing child, but so grateful for the rescue efforts.
Katchuka
Greece is being overwhelmed. Europe needs to step up or these crossings will never stop.
KittyKat
A big salute to the rescuers! They face immense challenges daily.
Noir Black
They know the risks. When will the international community address the source of this problem?
Loubianka
Every person rescued is a testament to human compassion. Keep up the vital work.
Katchuka
This endless cycle of rescues is unsustainable. Border security needs to be prioritized.
dedus mopedus
Saving lives is always the priority, but the continuous flow of migrants and the tragic incidents point to a failure in international policy. We need a comprehensive approach that balances compassion with practical solutions.
Noir Black
It's awful to hear about a missing child, emphasizing the human cost of these migrations. However, simply rescuing people doesn't solve the underlying issues that force them to flee their homes in the first place.
Eugene Alta
Another day, another group. This encourages more to attempt the perilous journey.