Cruise ship rescues migrants

The cruise ship Odyssey of the Seas rescued 77 migrants in distress off the coast of Greece on August 5, 2024, during a scheduled Greek Isles cruise. The rescue operation was initiated after a Maltese-flagged cargo ship reported the overloaded sailboat, which was unable to make headway and appeared to be in trouble 112 nautical miles southwest of Pylos. The Odyssey of the Seas, upon request from the Greek Coast Guard, altered its course to assist, successfully bringing all migrants aboard and providing them with necessary medical care and shelter. Following the rescue, the cruise ship was diverted to Kalamata to disembark the migrants, canceling its planned stop in Santorini. This incident occurred in the same region where a tragic maritime disaster took place in June 2023, highlighting ongoing challenges related to migrant safety in the Mediterranean. Local authorities are preparing to accommodate the rescued individuals with support from various humanitarian organizations.