A large migrant rescue operation is underway in the sea area 47 nautical miles southwest of Pylos, in international waters, after the capsize of a fishing boat with an unspecified number of people on board.

So far there are 17 dead and 104 people rescued.

The fishing boat had sailed from Tobruk, Libya; the Greek authorities were alerted by the Italian authorities at around 2.30 in the morning and the hospitals of Tripoli, Kalamata, Kyparissia and Sparta were put on alert.

The fishing boat had set sail from Tobruk, Libya, according to the authorities’ first information. The Greek authorities were notified by the Italian authorities.

The rescued are being taken to Kalamata, as reported by the SKAI envoy from Pylos Christos Stratoulakos.

Six parasailing vessels, a Coast Guard vessel and a C-130 aircraft are operating in the area.

A boat and lifeguard of the coast guard, a frigate of the Navy and a helicopter of the Air Force are expected.

In the meantime, the Commander of the 6th Ministry of Defense goes to Kalamata on an emergency basis Yannis Karvelis to coordinate the large operation set up after the shipwreck off Pylos.

Already in the early hours of the morning, the Governor has given orders for the readiness of all hospitals in the area to completely cover the needs that will arise.

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The announcement of the Coast Guard

“A broad operation of search and rescue of aliens is underway, in international waters in the maritime area of ​​47 nm. southwest of Pylos, under the coordination of the Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Center LS-EL.AKT..

In particular, the EKSED was informed by the RCC ROME about a fishing vessel in the above area, on which a large number of foreigners were on board, according to information received by the corresponding Chamber of Commerce of Italy. Passing vessels were immediately engaged to locate the A/K vessel.

Initially, the fishing vessel was spotted at midday yesterday by a FRONTEX aerial vehicle and then by two vessels sailing by, sailing north without requesting assistance. Then the Coastal Patrol boat LS-EL.AKT sailed for the spot. (P.P.L.S.), while a L.S.-EL.AKT helicopter also took off. The helicopter L.S.-EL.AKT. spotted the A/K moving at speed heading north.

In consecutive telephone calls of the Chamber of Operations to the fishing vessel to provide assistance, he received a negative response.

In the afternoon, a F/G ship approached the boat and provided it with food supplies, while the foreigners refused to provide any further assistance.

Subsequently, a second F/G ship approached the vessel to provide supplies and assistance, but the foreigners refused both supplies and assistance.

In the evening, the P.P.L.S. arrived. confirming the existence of a large number of migrants on the outer deck of the A/K vessel, but denying any assistance and stating their desire to continue their voyage to Italy. The P.P.L.S. he remained close to the ship for possible assistance, which continued its course.

In the early hours of the morning today, the above fishing vessel capsized and finally sank and immediately began a wide search and rescue operation with the participation of the Coastal Patrol vessel LS-EL.AKT. and three (03) passing ships, while a C-130 plane of the Air Force rushed to the area, as well as three (03) passing ships. Additionally, a Patrol Boat LS-EL.AKT., a Salvage Boat LS-EL.AKT., one (01) Frigate of the Navy are operating in the area of ​​the investigations, while a SUPER PUMA helicopter of Air Force.

Developments will be reported in a later press release.”