In two separate incidents on Wednesday, the Greek coast guard rescued a total of 150 migrants from overloaded sailboats provided by smugglers. The first incident involved the rescue of 76 individuals from a distressed yacht, located 64 nautical miles southwest of the Ionian Sea island of Zakynthos. The migrants were taken aboard a passing Egyptian-flagged cargo ship, and there were no reports of anyone missing. Although the exact origin of the sailboat remains unknown, this area is often used as a route for smuggling vessels carrying migrants from Turkey or northern Africa to Italy. In the second incident, approximately 80 people were safely evacuated from a sailboat near Kythnos island, one of the Cyclades situated southeast of Athens.

The coast guard confirmed that all individuals were in good health and were transported to the port of Kythnos. These rescues came shortly after the Greek coast guard picked up 29 migrants in two separate incidents off islands near Turkey in the eastern Aegean Sea on the same day. An additional 90 individuals were rescued in four separate incidents the previous day, further highlighting the increase in smuggling boats entering Greece in recent months. These vessels, mainly small dinghies, are typically headed for the eastern Aegean islands from the nearby Turkish coast.

For decades, Greece has been a preferred entry point into the European Union for individuals fleeing conflict or poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with hopes of a better life in Europe. According to the latest United Nations figures, more than 17,300 people have reached Greece by land and sea so far this year, with approximately 13,500 arriving by sea. Lesbos alone has received 5,500 arrivals. These figures represent over a tenth of this year's total successful Mediterranean crossings, with the majority (around 113,000) being arrivals in Italy. In total, 19,000 arrivals have occurred in Greece throughout 2022. In June, a fishing trawler carrying an estimated 500-750 individuals from Libya to Italy sank in international waters off southwestern Greece.

The failure to evacuate the vessel in time resulted in only 104 survivors being found, leading to heavy criticism of Greek authorities. The recent rise in migrant crossings has been attributed to better summer weather, unrest in Africa, and smugglers taking advantage of the increased traffic during the tourist season in the Aegean Sea. In response to the crisis, Greece has increased patrols along its sea and land border with Turkey to prevent further arrivals.

However, the government has been accused by human rights groups and migrants of carrying out summary deportations without allowing individuals to apply for asylum. The government strongly denies these accusations but has faced ongoing criticism for its treatment of migrants. As the migration crisis continues to unfold, efforts to address the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of those seeking refuge are of paramount importance.