Greek authorities are facing a major tragedy after 17 bodies of illegal migrants were recovered south of Crete following the sinking of a small boat in rough seas.
Only two survivors, aged 16 and 20, both Egyptian nationals, were found alive and are currently being treated at the Ierapetra Hospital in stable condition.
Due to the lack of space at the Heraklion University Hospital morgue, officials were forced to use a special refrigerated truck to transport and store the bodies. Funeral services from Ierapetra and Heraklion cooperated with emergency crews to ensure the remains could be moved safely to PAGNI (Heraklion University Hospital).
According to neakriti.gr, the autopsy process began yesterday, with medical examiners set to determine the exact causes of death. Early estimates suggest the illegal migrants may have been adrift at sea for several days before the Byron weather system struck the region.
The two survivors have regained consciousness and are communicating with doctors. Investigators believe they will be essential in reconstructing the final hours before the vessel capsized and in identifying the route and origin of the boat.
Meanwhile, port authorities are examining whether this ill-fated boat was one of seven vessels recently detected moving toward Crete. In the other reported cases, the passengers were found safe — raising urgent questions about what went wrong for this particular group.
The inquiry now focuses on the boat’s condition, possible human-smuggling networks, and the timeline leading up to the disaster. Authorities remain on high alert amid increasing migrant sea crossings in the region.
