Seven dead refugees after their boat crashed into Coast Guard patrol vessel

31 refugees were rescued, but 8 persons are still missing

An old wooden boat that was carrying refugees and migrants to Lesvos island hit at 11:30 on Thursday a Coast Guard patrol vessel due to rough seas and strong winds blowing in the area.

The accident was recorded half nautical mile north of Molyvos, Lesvos island. The Coast Guard managed to rescue 31 refugees, but seven of the eight people who went missing were found dead.

The victims are two women, one man and three children and a baby.

 

Coast Guard and Frontex vessels continue to patrol the area for the one person still missing.