The Coast Guard has mobilized after discovering a freighter under Kiribati flag, theBARIS, to be sailing about thirty nautical miles off the southeaster coast of Crete.
The 77-meter motor ship, which is carrying about 700 migrants, appears to have suffered some sort of mechanical failure and is rudderless. It is currently in international waters and within the Greek rescue sector.
Four nearby merchant ships and the HYDRA Navy vessel have headed to the area to assist in the rescue operation.
While it has been reported that there is no danger of the freighter sinking, the strong north-northwesterly winds (22-27 knots) in the area are making the rescue operation difficult.
The freighter appears to have left from an African country and its intended destination was Italy.
