Boat Carrying Migrants Partially Sinks Off Gavdos, 25 Missing

At least 51 people have been rescued after a migrant boat partially sank south of the Greek island of Gavdos, with around 25 people still missing, according to the Greek Coast Guard.

The incident unfolded on Sunday night as authorities launched a major search and rescue operation in the waters south of Gavdos.

According to survivors, 77 people were aboard the boat when it partially sank.

Nearby vessels managed to rescue 51 foreign nationals from the sea, while one person was found unconscious.

Around 25 people remained missing as the search continued.

Four vessels in the area and two boats operated by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex took part in the initial rescue effort.

A Greek Coast Guard vessel, another Frontex vessel and a helicopter were also dispatched to the area to assist with the ongoing search.

The operation was continuing late Sunday night as authorities searched the surrounding waters for survivors.

The incident comes amid a continued increase in migrant boat arrivals towards Crete and the southern Greek islands, which have become a major route for crossings from North Africa.

The number of people rescued, missing and aboard the vessel remains subject to confirmation as the search and rescue operation continues.

Source: Reuters

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