The Coast Guard is conducting a rescue operation off the north western coast of Crete, after locating a 32-meter ship that is carrying about 400 Syrian refugees. According to web portal CretaLive the weather conditions, while ideal, are not affecting the operation.
The ship was discovered after it made a request for help, after which point the Unified Command Center of the Ministry of Shipping ordered two nearby cargo ships and a US Navy ship to attend. The Coast Guard also dispatched a ship from Piraeus, a Greek Navy frigate and a helicopter.
As the refugee-carrying vessel does not appear to be leaking, it is thought that it made the distress call due to a mechanical failure. The three ships remain nearby the migrant-carrying vessel, which does not appear to be facing any immediate danger.
So far about 13 of the 408 refugees have been transferred to one of the cargo freighters. Amongst the refugees are an estimated 100 women and children. As soon as the refugees are rescued, they will then be taken to the nearest port in Crete.
