Greek authorities recovered 12 bodies from a migrant boat discovered south of the island of Crete early Monday, while 18 people were rescued by a passing Moroccan-flagged cargo ship, according to the Greek coast guard.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased or the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths. The vessel was located approximately 15 nautical miles (28 kilometres or 18 miles) south of Crete on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, two other migrant boats carrying approximately 47 and 40 people were detected heading south of the island. One was spotted by an aircraft operated by the European Union's border agency, Frontex, while the other was identified by a Frontex surveillance drone. All passengers aboard the two vessels were rescued by Frontex personnel and were being transported to a port on Crete's southern coast.

Greece remains a major entry point into the European Union for migrants fleeing conflict, poverty and instability in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. In recent months, thousands have attempted the dangerous sea journey from North Africa, particularly from Libya to Crete. Others travel from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands across the Aegean Sea, frequently using small, overcrowded and unsafe boats.

Last month, 12 people, including an infant, lost their lives after two boats carrying migrants from Turkey to the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos capsized.

In October, Frontex reported that the eastern Mediterranean remained the busiest migration route into the 27-member European Union, despite an overall decline in irregular border crossings.

According to the agency, approximately 31,800 crossings were recorded during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 15% decrease compared with the corresponding period last year. The route from Libya to Crete accounted for the largest share of activity, followed by the eastern Aegean islands and the land border between Turkey and Greece.