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At the same time, and despite strong winds and high waves, the refugee flood does not stop. Yesterday, under conditions similar to those in which Captain Stefanos had rescued the 20 children near Chios, 2,530 people arrived on Lesvos and were identified. According to the Greek media, there are a total of 6,360 refugees and migrants on the island at present, who cannot leave because of the 48-hour strike of seafarers and port workers. They expect the strike to end at 06:00 am on Wednesday after which they will be able to leave for Piraeus and Kavala ports. The majority of those who are on Lesvos are sheltered in tents at the port or in the refugee camp in Kara Tepe, under quite difficult conditions, in view of the cold nights. The wealthier ones stay in hotels or rent rooms for tourists. 5,331 migrants and refugees left Lesvos yesterday alone, shortly before shipping employees announced their strike.

Earlier today, a boat carrying 200 people arrived at Zephyros beach on Rhodes from the opposite Turkish coast. Coast guard and police members and dozens of islanders were on site to help the people step on dry land smoothly. Many of them were women and children. The refugees were accommodated in rooms close to the port, which the municipality of the island has prepared for this purpose.