A migrant vessel capsized off the Greek island of Gavdos, near Crete, on Monday, September 14, leading to at least one confirmed death and 25 people still missing. According to the Greek coast guard, 51 individuals were rescued by a cargo ship and a tanker nearby. Survivors reported that 77 people were on board the vessel when it sank. A partially submerged boat was discovered on Sunday, about 70 kilometers south of Gavdos, raising concerns about the incident. Search and rescue efforts continue, with multiple vessels, boats, a drone from the European Union’s Frontex agency, and an air force plane involved in the operation. Gavdos, along with the larger island of Crete, has become a key entry point for asylum seekers arriving in Greece. These individuals often come from the Libyan coast and are then transported to reception centers on other Greek islands or the mainland. Crete currently has only one temporary accommodation facility for asylum seekers, but the Greek government has pledged to establish a new reception center soon. This move comes as the number of migrant arrivals has reportedly declined in recent months. According to data from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, as reported by the Greek news agency Ana at the end of August, the number of migrants arriving in Greece has dropped by nearly a third over the past year. From 61,112 arrivals between August 2024 and August 2025, the figure has fallen to 41,998 between August 2025 and August 2026, a decrease of about 20,000 people. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including stricter border controls and changes in migration routes. The incident off Gavdos highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Greece in managing migration flows, even as overall numbers have decreased. Despite the drop, the country continues to deal with the humanitarian and logistical complexities of handling asylum seekers, particularly in regions like Crete and Gavdos, which remain critical points of entry. The search for the missing individuals underscores the risks involved in the Mediterranean crossing, where many migrants attempt to reach Europe by sea.