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The Hellenic Coast said on Friday that it was conducting one of the largest search and rescue operations in recent years in the Eastern Mediterranean. They released pictures and a video of a small cargo ship loaded with migrants or possible refugees that the Coast Guard reported was disabled. The reports said that the vessel was being taken to “a safe place,” but an NGO group is questioning the operation noting that the vessel has remained at sea.<\/p>\n
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The NGO Aegean Boat Report said that it received word from the vessel that there were approximately 400 people aboard which they said are refugees from Afghanistan. According to their reports, the unidentified small cargo ship was carrying the people loaded on the deck heading to Italy when it encountered rough seas in the Mediterranean. Reporting that the vessel was experiencing engine problems they were heading to Crete when the motor reportedly stopped working.<\/p>\n
Aegean Boat Report says that it alerted the Hellenic Coast Guard to the plight of the ship and that the Coast Guard was seen arriving alongside the vessel. The vessel was later taken under tow with images of Greek forces on the bridge of the cargo ship. However, according to the NGO, the vessel has been towed into the Aegean, but not taken to a port. <\/p>\n
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