Portuguese Maritime Police Boat sinks on island in Greece

Vessel participated tried to save immigrants, “in almost timely wind conditions.” Five Portuguese rescued.

One Maritime Police vessel sank this Monday off the Greek island of Lesbos, while participating in an operation of the Frontex of Search and rescue of immigrantsleading to Rescue of the crew, five Portuguese and one Greek.

The National Maritime Authority (AMN) mentioned, in a statement, that the incident occurred “during a search and rescue action of migrants on Lesbos” and that they were six on board elements, which were “safely rescued and find themselves well physically. ”

The Portuguese police force also pointed out that “a process of inquiries to determine the causes of the incident. ”

Greek television station ERT, cited by Europa Press agency, reported that the Portuguese vessel sank around 18:00 (16:00 in Lisbon) during a search operation for search operation Four Immigrants in a piroga (vessel made from a single tree trunk) that He crossed the coast of Türkiye.

Source of the Greek Coast Guard said the Agence France-PRESse (AFP) that the vessel at the service of the European Border and Coastal Guard Agency (Frontex) sinks after reef near the island of Lesbos.

The crew of the boat was five Portuguese and one Greek, he added.

“Participated in the rescue of immigrants in the area, in almost stormy wind conditions“He detailed.

The operation was triggered after 36 Immigrantsspotted by police on a beach in Lesbos, reported to the authorities that other group members they were missing No sea.

The Greek coast guard also mentioned that the searches for immigrants continue to take place.

Already on Tuesday, the European Guard of Borders and Coastal Agency (Frontex) announced that it is in contact with the Portuguese authorities and that it will investigate The wreck involving a coastal boat of the Portuguese Maritime Police.

In a statement, the Frontex indicated that it is “in narrow contact with the Portuguese and Greek authorities.”

A formal investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of wreck, he said.

“We will provide support throughout the inquiry,” adds the Frontex, who “praises the professionalism and calm demonstrated by the officers involved ”.

The Frontex has as its functioning function the countries of the European Union (EU) and Schengen Space in the management of its external borders.