Italian Coast Guard is conducting a search and rescue operation off Italy's southern coast following a shipwreck involving a sailboat carrying migrants believed to have departed from Turkey. The exact number of missing migrants is currently unknown.
The operation was initiated after a distress call was made by a French boat located approximately 120 miles from the Italian coast, near the border of the search and rescue areas managed by Greece and Italy.
Upon discovering a partially submerged boat, rescuers managed to save 12 migrants from the vessel. These survivors were safely transported to the Calabrian port of Roccella Jonica, where they received medical attention. Tragically, one of the rescued migrants passed away shortly after being rescued.
In response to the distress call, the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Rome promptly redirected two merchant vessels that were in the vicinity to assist with the rescue efforts. Additionally, assets from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex were also deployed to provide support.
