Shipwreck off the Greek coast kills 59

Authorities say at least 32 people have died after a yacht sank off the southern coast of Greece. Image: A.P

59 migrants died on Wednesday morning (14) after the boat they were on sank in Greece. Another hundred people were saved.

The nationalities of the migrants were not disclosed. Everything indicated that the boat left Libya and was destined for Italy, according to the authorities.

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The shipwreck occurred in the international waters of the Ionian Sea, near the Greek Peloponnese peninsula.

A major operation was carried out with an aircraft and helicopter from the Hellenic Armed Forces, as well as six ships, but strong winds complicate the operation.

“Since the early hours of Wednesday morning, a major rescue operation has begun in Pylos after a fishing boat sank with a large number of migrants on board,” the Greek Coast Guard said.

Those rescued were taken to Kalamata, southwest of Athens, and four of them, who were in critical condition, were taken by helicopter to a local hospital.

Shipwreck survivors sit in a warehouse in the port city of Kalamata, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) southwest of Athens.

The coast guard said a reconnaissance plane of the European agency Frontex spotted the ship at noon on Tuesday, but the passengers “refused to help”.

Greece, Italy and Spain are the main destinations for tens of thousands of people trying to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East.