In the early hours of Thursday, 6 October, the Hellenic Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) launched a search and rescue operation in the Aegean Sea in difficult weather conditions. A Latvian plane and three Portuguese rescue divers participating in the Frontex operation in Greece helped the Hellenic authorities locate the missing persons.
89 people have been rescued at sea while 16 persons have been recovered on land. Those requiring medical aid have been transferred to a hospital. Unfortunately, 18 lives have been lost.
“I want to send my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s tragedy in the Aegean Sea. I would also like to thank the brave professionals who put their own lives at risk to rescue the many women, children and men in distress,” said Ms Aija Kalnaja, Executive Director ad interim.