The bodies of two women and 36 rescued immigrants were collected by vessels of the Coast Guard during the rescue operation, 4.5 nautical miles offshore of Agios Konstantinos, north of Samos , after the two boats inverted.

One body was collected by the cruise ship ADAMORA, while the second one by a Coast Guard vessel at 4 o’clock in the morning.

Two Coast Guard vessels, a cruise ship, a vessel of Frontex, whose crew reported the incident, as well as three fishing boats are taking part in the rescue operation which is still in progress. Also, a Super Puma helicopter helps in the rescue efforts, while a naval ship will reach the place to provide help.

According to preliminary information, the vessel on which the illegal immigrants were, was a modern yacht with four captains, followed by a small yacht.The weather in the area is good and the winds do not exceed 5 Beaufort. The 36 immigrants, who are all well, have already been transferred to the Port Authority of Samos.

The survivors said that there were about 60 to 65 people on the boats.

It is not known yet if there are children among the missing people.