The search and rescue operation that took place in a maritime area north of Lesvos, after a Romanian helicopter located a man overboard, has concluded.
The man was rescued and taken to the port of Mytilene, while reports suggested that life vests are strewn in the sea. According to another refugee though, the rest of those on-board the boat managed to safely make it to the shores of Lesvos.
A Coast Guard vessel along with a Super Puma helicopter and private boats were dispatched to scan the area in an effort to locate any refugees missing at sea. There are strong, southwesterly winds in the area causing huge waves.
Over 2,000 refugees arrived in Piraeus on Thursday morning
More than 2,000 refugees were transported from the islands of Lesvos and Chios to the port of Piraeus on Thursday morning. Specifically the Blue Star 1 ferry boat carried 1,286 refugees – 850 from Lesvos and 436 from Chios – while the Nisos Rodos transferred a total of 898 refugees – 603 from Lesvos and 295 from Chios.
