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The Greek Coast Guard is carrying out a major action in order to rescue a ship in distress, which, according to the initial data, is carrying 83 refugees. The refugees are in a sailing boat and they sent an SOS signal early this morning. The vessel is located about 5.6 nautical miles southwest of Astypalia town.

Four ships of the Coast Guard are taking part in the action, as well as a navy frigate and two cargo ships which are located nearby. Spokesman for the Greek Coast Guard Nikos Langadianos said on Skai TV that the weather conditions in the vicinity of the incident are difficult – the wind is between 5 and 6 on the Beaufort scale and a hailstorm is also expected. He explained that the lives of the illegal immigrants are not in danger. Currently, they are being transferred to one of the ships of the Coast Guard, and they are also being given food. In the coming hours, they will be taken ashore to Astypalia town.

These are 15 children, 20 women and 50 men, a total of 85 refugees, and not 83 as initially reported. Their nationality has not been reported publicly yet.

To be continued.