61 refugees rescued by ‘Blue Star 1’ ferry (exclusive pics)

A toddler and old man without life jackets

After being stranded in the  Aegean Sea for 8 hours, 61 refugees were finally rescued by Greek ferry ‘Blue Star 1’, Monday morning off the coast of Mytilene, capital of Lesbos.  Trembling and terrified, the relieved refugees were wrapped in sheets and towels after they had managed to survive in the cold waters. According to the vessel’s captain, Spyros Pefanis, the officer on deck detected the half-sinking boat full of people and immediately notified the crew and the port authorities. Pefanis sais that many refugees, including children had jumped into the cold waters after the small dinghy started taking in water. Most of the people found in the sea were wearing life jackets, except a 7-month old baby and an older man. 26 migrants were picked up by the Greek coast guard and 36 by ‘Blue Star 1’ before being transported to the port of Mytilene.

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