30 rescued after migrant ship sinks off Crete

KOMOTINI, Greece

At least 30 people were rescued after a boat carrying irregular migrants sank on Monday near the Greek island of Crete, according to Greek News Agency ANA-MPA.

A merchant ship dispatched to the region, some 19 kilometers (12 miles) east of Crete, made the rescue after a person on the sinking boat called the emergency call center for help.

In addition to a helicopter and boat belonging to the Greek Coast Guard, a navy frigate was sent to the region to participate in search and rescue operations, the agency added.

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur