A drama with 103 illegal migrnats, among them 27 children, was averted at the last minute as their boat semi-capsized off the island of Lefkada, Greece. A group of 103 illegal migrants and three migrant-runners were rescued from a semi-capsized sailboat south of the island of Lefkada late Monday by Greek coast guard vessels and nearby fishing boats.
The distressed sailboat was spotted by a nearby tanker on Monday evening and the Marine Affairs and Islands ministry’s operations center was immediately alerted.
Among the rescued are 27 underage children and one pregnant woman. The majority of them are from Afghanistan but also from Pakistan, Yemen and Sri Lanka, Lefkada news reported.
The vessel was found just off of Lefkada semi-capsized and taking on water. The boat was heading to Italy.
The migrants were taken to the island’s medical center for precautionary reasons, where they were given food, water and shelter, while 7 people were taken to the local hospital.
The three migrant-smugglers from Ukrania were taken into custody and were being held at the Lefkada port authority.
source: Lefkada News and Athens news Agency
