At least 19 people aboard a refugee boat died off Gialousa when it sank, while 122 people have been rescued so far. On her website, Kypris Postasi cites a message from "Transport Minister" Tolga Atakan on social media that the "coast guard" is trying to help and is on the spot.
The boat was reportedly carrying 147 to 150 refugees from Syria seeking refuge from the civil war and sank 15 to 16 miles off Gialousa. Therefore 26-28 people are ignored. The boat started to get water in its engine room and a serious problem arose. From 06.00 in the morning boats of the Turkish Coast Guard intervene to help, while we assisted by helicopter as well as other floating ships.
The operation also involves boats sailing in the area, while NTV notes that the incident took place in international territorial waters.
Turkish authorities are concerned about the final death toll. Atakan told Yeni Duzen that the rescued refugees had been transferred to Turkey and, if necessary, steps had been taken to relocate some to the occupied territories. According to confirmed information, the health of a passenger was considered very critical and was transferred to the occupied areas.
However, the search and the rescue effort continue for other people who were on the boat.
Due to the incident they have been put on alert in the occupied areas.
The KSED is ready to contribute to the rescue
The readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to contribute to the search and rescue efforts of the refugees aboard the ship was transferred to international organizations by the Search and Rescue Coordination Center (KSED).
According to information from K, the KSED informed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and neighboring countries that Cyprus is ready to assist efforts by air and naval means provided the security of the means will be available.
The shipwreck, according to the information that the authorities of the Republic have, is close to the dividing line of the FIR of Nicosia and Turkey north of A. Andreas.
Source: KATHIMERINI
