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An alarm was sounded days ago at the Hellenic Coast Guard’s Operations Centre. A sailing boat with 45 refugees – migrants southwest of the Strofades Islands – was found. The vessel was found at about 9am and was aboard the MSC Lirica cruise ship which, while heading to Dubrovnik, returned to investigate the area as there was information that the refugee-migrant vessel was in danger.
The Coast Guard boat from Pylos also sped to the scene. Boats from Zakynthos and Katakolos could not reach the area due to bad weather conditions.
The intervention MP Mr.D. Aktypis
Zakynthos MP Dionysis Aktypis, while the operation was in progress, contacted the Maritime Ministry and the Port Authority and told them that Zakynthos did not have the proper facilities for their temporary hospitality. He explained to them, as he told our local newspaper”HMERA”, that the gym in Panagoula is occupied as the school is functioning properly and that the stadium is closed because of the problems caused by the earthquake.
A long hour operation
It was a difficult and a long operation set up by the Coast Guard and, ultimately, it was thought that they had to be taken to Katakolo. Other floating boats, mainly merchant vessels, were also found at the site.
However, under adverse weather conditions, all the relevant agencies had to be fully coordinated until the operation was completed and the 45 refugees – Iranians, according to their statement, were transported safely to the port of Katakolo. The choices, according to information yesterday, were either to migrate to Zakynthos or to Katakolo, and it appears that the intervention of the MP, who was informed of the incident and wanted to pass the message that the island was not a place to accommodate refugees and immigrants.
