The Greek coast guard, early on Monday morning, launched a rescue operation off the coast of the island of Samos, northeastern Aegean Sea, Greece, after two boats carrying migrants capsized.
Twenty two people four of which were children, lost their lives, while thirty six immigrants have been found alive, including a 3-year-old boy from Syria, who presented symptoms of hypothermia and was transferred to Athens by helicopter. Six people are still being hospitalized in Samos.
Assisting in the rescue operation of the Greek coast guard are three fishing boats, civilian divers, a Frontex vessel and a Hellenic Navy ship. The Joint Research and Coordination Center of the Ministry of Shipping, has requested a helicopter to comb the area for more survivors.
According to the immigrants rescued by the Greek coast guard, the two boats were carrying a total of 60 to 65 people. It is estimated that there might be other immigrants missing in the area. The nationalities of the migrants are unknown.
Greece is a major entry point for people from countries of Asia and Africa who seek a better life in the European Union. Fatal accidents are frequent as immigrants are trying to cross the Aegean Sea with makeshift boats.
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