More than 350 undocumented migrants reached Greek shores over the past 24 hours, mostly in small boats that left north Africa for the southern island of Crete, authorities said Friday.
Tens of thousands of people from the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Africa enter Greece every year, hoping to move on to Europe’s prosperous heartland in pursuit of a better life. More than half undertake the Mediterranean Sea crossing from eastern Libya.
Early Friday, three boats were spotted south of Crete carrying 44, 49 and 39 people, all who were evacuated and taken ashore. Also, two groups of 33 and 51 people were found on southern Cretan beaches after arriving from Libya.
Two 17-year-old boys from South Sudan were arrested on suspicion of steering the boats across from the Tobruk area on behalf of smuggling groups.
Late Thursday, another 43 people were picked up from a small boat in trouble south of Crete, and 55 more were found on a beach.
