Migrant boat pushed back by sunbathers in Greece

Migrant Boat Confronted by Beachgoers on Greek Island

A migrant boat attempting to land on the tiny Greek island of Gavdos was pushed back out to sea by beachgoers, according to footage that has sparked widespread debate.

Both Gavdos and Crete have faced a surge in recent weeks, with roughly 850 people arriving over the past weekend alone, stretching the islands’ limited resources. The latest incident comes as locals voice concern that their community could become overwhelmed, similar to Italy’s Lampedusa, where tens of thousands of migrants have landed over the years.

Authorities later confirmed that the boat intercepted in the video was taken into custody by a Frontex patrol crew, and the passengers were transported to Gavdos port.

Pressure on Local Communities

In Crete, more than 1,100 migrants remain crowded into a temporary holding facility near Chania’s port, some stranded there since mid-August. Residents on Gavdos say their island is “at breaking point.”

Migration minister Thanos Plevris acknowledged the strain but said transfers to the mainland have already begun. “The decongestion of the island began yesterday, and within two to three days everyone will have left,” he told local media.

Changing Asylum Rules

In July, Greece stopped processing asylum claims for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. Those who arrived after July 11 must either agree to return voluntarily or face imprisonment of up to five years. The controversial policy has been criticized by the UN refugee agency and the European Court of Human Rights.

Plevris clarified that new arrivals are held “under administrative detention,” stressing: “These are not accommodation structures, but places of confinement, as these people are considered prisoners.”

Regional Tensions

Officials in Athens suspect that the sudden rise in crossings may be tied to smuggling networks in Libya, potentially backed by General Khalifa Haftar, who controls much of the country’s east. Analysts suggest Haftar may be using migration as leverage — both to pressure the EU financially and to gain advantage in disputes over Mediterranean energy resources.

Turkey’s close ties with Haftar’s administration have further fueled speculation that the migrant surge could be part of a broader geopolitical strategy, with Gavdos and Crete caught on the frontline.

FAQ: Migrants, Policy & Incident in Gavdos / Crete, Greece

Incident Details

1. What happened in Gavdos?
Footage shows beachgoers (men in swimwear) pushing a boat full of migrants away from the shore on the island of Gavdos, south of Crete. GreekReporter.com+2Telegraph+2

2. Were the migrants rescued, detained, or allowed to disembark?
A Frontex patrol vessel later intercepted the boat. The migrants were brought to port on Gavdos. GreekReporter.com

3. How many migrants have arrived recently in Gavdos / Crete?
Around 850 migrants over a single weekend arrived on Gavdos and Crete. Also, more than 1,100 migrants have been left stranded in makeshift facilities near Chania, on Crete. GreekReporter.com+2Telegraph+2

4. What is the population / capacity of Gavdos?
Gavdos is remote and very sparsely populated (≈ 70 people permanently). Resources there are extremely limited. GreekReporter.com

5. What is the Greek government doing about the surge / “decongesting” the islands?
Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said efforts are underway to move migrants quickly to facilities on the Greek mainland. He said decongestion of Gavdos began; within two-three days, the goal is for everyone to have left the island. GreekReporter.com

Legal / Policy Questions

6. Has Greece suspended asylum applications for people arriving by sea from North Africa?
Yes. In July 2025, Greek Parliament passed a law suspending asylum application processing for migrants arriving by boat from North Africa for an initial period of three months. GreekReporter.com+3Reuters+3LSE Blogs+3

7. Under this policy, what options do arriving migrants have?
Those arriving since the suspension are placed under administrative detention or restriction of freedom. In many cases, they must either agree to voluntary return (deportation) or face legal penalties. Reuters+3GreekReporter.com+3UNICORN RIOT+3

8. Has international law or human rights organizations weighed in?
Yes. Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UNHCR and others have strongly criticised Greece’s suspension of asylum, saying it violates international and EU law, especially regarding the right to seek asylum and non-refoulement. Reuters+3Amnesty International+3Human Rights Watch+3

9. What are the penalties under the new migration law for rejected asylum seekers?
The new law (passed in early September) introduces prison terms of 2-5 years for those who remain after their asylum applications are rejected and don’t leave within 14 days. Also fines, electronic monitoring, and increased detention periods (up to 24 months). UNICORN RIOT+2The Guardian+2

10. What is “administrative detention” / how are arriving migrants being housed?
According to the Migration Minister, places used are not standard accommodation – they are places of confinement. Under the law, migrants arriving under the new rules are considered as detained while awaiting their status or outcome. GreekReporter.com

Broader Context & Criticism

11. Why is Greece implementing these strict measures now?

• Because of a surge in arrivals from Libya and North Africa in 2025, especially to Crete and Gavdos. Reuters+2GreekReporter.com+2

• Pressure on local infrastructure and resources in remote islands.

• Political pressure domestically and from EU/smuggling networks concerns. LSE Blogs+2GreekReporter.com+2

12. Are these measures legal under EU / international law?
Many argue they are not. The suspension of asylum, automatic detentions, and removal without examination are being challenged as violations of fundamental rights, including the right to seek asylum and prohibition of return to persecution (non-refoulement). HIAS+3Amnesty International+3Human Rights Watch+3

13. What are “instrumentalization” and “smuggling rings” in this context?
Officials (in Greece) are suggesting that the new surge might be linked to smuggling operations or being used (instrumentalized) by external actors (possibly in Libya) to pressure the EU or Greece. There are fears migrants are being pushed toward these islands by networks who profit from such crossings. GreekReporter.com

14. What are the living conditions for migrants on Crete / Gavdos?
Very challenging. Makeshift / temporary holding centres, overcrowding, limited basic services, long delays. On Crete, more than 1,100 migrants have been in a facility near Chania since mid-August. GreekReporter.com

What’s Unclear / Developing

15. How long will the suspension of asylum processing remain in place?
Initially 90 days (three months), but whether it will be extended or renewed is uncertain. Reuters+1

16. What happens after the suspension ends?
Unclear. Will there be legal challenges, new procedures, or reforms? Also unclear how many people will be granted asylum or returned, and how Greece will manage inflows under whatever comes next.

17. Are there any legal cases or court rulings underway against these policies?
Yes, human rights groups and EU institutions have raised concerns. Some Greek civil society organizations and courts have questioned constitutionality. The European Court of Human Rights and UN bodies are involved in oversight. Human Rights Watch+3HIAS+3Amnesty International+3

18. What are alternatives for migrants seeking safety?
Possible alternatives might include trying to apply for asylum via legal routes, reaching out to UNHCR or NGOs, or accessing protection in transit countries. But many of these options are limited, dangerous, or difficult under current policy.