A boat carrying refugees and migrants capsized under unclear circumstances off the northern coast of Lesvos, in the sea area near Skala Sikamnias, early Thursday morning, putting the lives of those on board in immediate danger.
A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway on both land and sea. The mission involves three Greek coastguard patrol vessels, one passing ship, and three vehicles from the Hellenic Police (EL.AS) and the Coast Guard. A Hellenic Air Force helicopter is also assisting in the effort to locate at least eight missing persons, according to public broadcaster ERT.
So far, 23 people have been rescued, and search efforts continue under relatively favorable weather conditions, with northern winds reaching up to 3 on the Beaufort scale.
Authorities say they remain on high alert, aiming to swiftly locate and safely transport all those involved in the incident.
