Cruise Ship Saves 77 Migrants Off Greece

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A cruise ship successfully rescued 77 migrants from a distressed sailboat off the southwestern coast of Greece early Tuesday morning. The operation was initiated after a Maltese-flagged cargo ship discovered the migrants approximately 112 nautical miles southwest of Pylos. Greek authorities confirmed that the rescue was coordinated by the country’s search and rescue authority, with the migrants now being transported to Kalamata, a southern port town. No individuals were reported missing during the rescue operation, although details regarding the nationalities of the migrants or their departure point remain unclear. Greece is a significant entry point for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, who often attempt perilous crossings to enter the European Union. In recent years, many migrants have opted to bypass Greece altogether, choosing instead to make the journey directly to Italy in larger vessels, such as sailing or fishing boats, often departing from southern Turkey or North Africa. This shift comes amid increased crackdowns on illegal entry into Greece, which has historically been a key transit route for migrants. The Mediterranean has witnessed tragic incidents involving migrant vessels, including a devastating shipwreck last year off Pylos, where an overcrowded fishing trawler sank, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. Only 104 survivors were rescued from that incident, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by those attempting to cross the sea in search of safety and a better life.