At least 21 migrants found dead, 233 rescued off Crete

Twenty-one migrants were found dead and a total of 233 others were rescued in three separate operations off the southern coast of Crete, Greek authorities said Monday.

The 21 dead included one body initially recovered from a boat with 28 survivors, seven bodies later found in the same boat, and another 12 dead from another incident, according to broadcaster ERT.

In the deadliest incident, a Moroccan-flagged container ship spotted a migrant boat about 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers) southeast of the Cretan village of Kali Limenes.

A Greek Coast Guard vessel rushed to the scene, rescuing 18 survivors and recovering the bodies of 12 people.

In two separate incidents, boats carrying 47 and 40 migrants were spotted approximately 30 and 31 nautical miles (56 and 57 kilometers) south of the village.

Frontex aerial assets, including manned and unmanned aircraft, assisted in locating the boats.

Two Sudanese nationals, who were identified by the others as traffickers, were arrested. A case was filed against them for illegal entry into the country, facilitating illegal entry, forming a gang, and deadly exposure.

The incidents bring the total number of migrants rescued in the three operations to around 105.