A major search and rescue operation took place in the sea area 30 nautical miles south of Gavdos, coordinated by the Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Center, to locate and safely transport 352 foreigners who were on board a wooden fishing boat.

According to initial information, the boat was located by a Frontex vessel, while a Coast Guard vessel and four passing commercial vessels participated in the operation, which rushed to assist in the collection and transport of the passengers.

The rescued were safely transported to the port of Paleochora, Chania, where they were provided with the necessary care and the registration and identification procedures were initiated by the competent authorities.