Rescue operation for 80 migrants south of Rhodes – 29 have been rescued

Great business is underway south of Rhodes since dawn, to rescue approximately 80 people who were on a boat in international waters and within the Greek search and rescue area of ​​responsibility. So far 29 people have been rescued. West-northwest winds blow in the area, with an intensity of 5 to 6 Beaufort.

The weather conditions are not helping the Coast Guard’s investigations, said Mr Coast Guard press representative Nikos Kokkalas on SKAI 100.3 radio and Petros Kirkilis.

He said that most of the rescued are Afghans while among them there are Iraqis and Iranians and all of them are men. He even mentioned that many of them were not wearing life jackets. According to their statement, they started their journey from Antalya, Turkey and were destined for Italy.

Two Coast Guard vessels, a Navy ship, three parasailing vessels, and an Air Force helicopter are involved in the rescue operation.

The entire announcement of the Ministry of Shipping

A large-scale search and rescue operation for foreigners has been underway since the early hours of the morning today, in the sea area of ​​38 nm. south of Rhodes, in international waters and within the Greek area of ​​search and rescue responsibility, under the coordination of the Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center of the Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard.

In particular, the E.K.S.E.D. LS-EL.AKT., was informed in the early hours of today, about a vessel (a.l.s.) in a difficult position with foreigners on board, in the above sea area and started an operation to collect them from the sea. Two (02) L.S. lifeboats operate in the said sea area. – EL.AKT., one (01) PN ship, three (03) parasailing vessels, as well as one (01) PA SUPER PUMA helicopter.

So far, twenty-nine (29) people have been rescued alive, while according to the statement of the passengers, there were about eighty (80) people on board the above boat. In the maritime area of ​​the investigations, which are in full progress, prevailing winds are SW 5-6 BF.

From the first moment, the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Yiannis Plakiotakis, was informed, who gave an order to immediately mobilize every appropriate means to rescue the foreigners.

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