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1st LD Writethru: Vessel with undocumented migrants sinks in Aegean Sea, rescue operation underway

Xinhua, July 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

A vessel with dozens of undocumented migrants on board sank in the Aegean Sea near the islands of Chios, Farmakonissi and Agathonissi on Tuesday and a rescue operation was underway, Greek Coast Guard officials said.

According to early information by survivors about 33 persons were on board. A total of 16 passengers have been rescued by Greek and Turkish forces so far, according to the latest.

It has not been clarified yet where they were coming from and what their nationalities are.

Thousands of undocumented immigrants enter Greece illegally each year from Turkey and northern African countries, and dozens lose their lives in sea tragedies before reaching European shore. Endit