The coast guard has rescued 85 immigrants who were on board a sail boat. that was drifting about 5.6 nautical miles southwest from Astypalea.
Despite the difficult weather conditions, the coast guard managed tor rescue the 15 children, 30 women and 50 men from the sailboat. The immigrants were then taken to Astypalea, where they will receive food and medical treatment
The rescue operation was launched after the sail boat radioed for help in the early hours of Thursday morning. Aside from four coast guard vessels, a Navy frigate and two near-by cargo freighters are assisting in the rescue.
