A tragic shipwreck has taken place in the area of Kaloí Liménes near Heraklion, Crete. Currently, the search and rescue operation is underway, with five bodies recovered so far, while authorities report that there are dozens of missing individuals. The operation is being conducted by the Hellenic Coast Guard in a maritime zone approximately 15 nautical miles south of Kaloí Liménes.

Reports indicate that around 20 people were rescued from a Panama-flagged container ship, which first spotted the survivors and initiated the rescue. Local port authorities have confirmed the distressing information, revealing that the number of missing individuals stands at 26. To bolster the search efforts, four vessels are already engaged in the operation, and a Frontex ship is also being dispatched to assist in locating the missing persons.

This incident raises serious concerns about the perilous conditions faced by migrants attempting to traverse dangerous maritime routes in search of safety and better opportunities. The ongoing mission emphasizes the need for enhanced search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean, a region that has seen numerous tragic incidents involving migrants attempting to reach European shores.