At least 14 Egyptian nationals have lost their lives after a boat carrying irregular migrants sank near the port of the Greek island of Crete, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.
In an official statement, the ministry said it is closely following the incident involving a vessel that departed from one of Egypt’s neighbouring countries and was heading towards Greece on December 7, 2025.
According to preliminary information, the boat was carrying 34 people of different nationalities, including the 14 Egyptians who died in the incident.
Assistance and repatriation efforts under way
The ministry said it is in continuous coordination with Greek authorities to provide all possible assistance to those who were rescued. Efforts are also under way to expedite the repatriation of the bodies of the Egyptian victims to their families.
Describing the incident as “tragic,” the ministry expressed condolences to the families affected and reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting its citizens abroad during emergencies.
Warning against irregular migration
The Foreign Ministry urged Egyptian citizens not to fall prey to irregular migration networks, stressing the serious risks involved in such journeys and the need to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Irregular migration routes towards Greece have increasingly involved Libya and other neighbouring countries as transit points, with Crete emerging as a key entry route into the European Union.
Wider regional context
Earlier this year, the Greek government suspended asylum applications for certain arrivals, particularly those reaching Crete from Libya, citing pressure on reception systems.
Egyptian authorities have repeatedly stated that the country has prevented the departure of irregular migration boats towards Europe since 2016. However, some Egyptian migrants continue to attempt the journey by travelling through neighbouring countries.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the sinking are continuing.