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ΛέσβοςCoast GuardLesvos coast guard rescues record 413 migrants and refugees in single operation
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The Lesvos coast guard patrol boat “PATH 80 – Agios Efstratios” on Tuesday rescued 413 migrants and refugees found floating adrift in the sea between the island and the Turkish coast – breaking the record for the number brought to safety in a single rescue operation.
In statements from Mytilene harbour, which was filled with the women, children and men rescued at sea, the patrol boat’s captain Lieut. Argyris Fragoulis said they had come across a “fleet” of nine plastic dinghies in Greek territorial waters, heading toward the island.
“Most were sailing adrift due to engine failure and at risk of capsizing at any minute, since each one carried between 40 and 50 people and all their belongings,” he said.
“This was a difficult day but we made it safely and without any problem collected and rescued 413 people,” he added.
The very good weather prevailing in the northeast Aegean on Tuesday brought more than 2,000 refugees and migrants to the eastern shores of Lesvos, with the coast guard and Frontex called to rescue 1,000 from boats. The Norwegian Frontex patrol boat alone managed to collect a total of 200 people in three rescue operations on Tuesday.