An alarm was raised in the early hours of Wednesday morning when the coastguard was informed of the sinking of a boat carrying 96 illegal immigrants off Gavdos.

Search and rescue procedures were immediately activated under the coordination of the EKSED for the sinking of the vessel 21 nautical miles off Gavdos.

Two coast guard vessels, six coastal vessels and a Navy helicopter are operating in the area to locate any missing persons.

It is noted that winds of 3-5 Beaufort prevail in the area.