ATHENS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Greek Coast Guard launched a new rescue operation for a refugee vessel sailing in the southern Mediterranean Sea on Monday, according to a Greek Shipping Ministry announcement.
Greek Coast Guard patrol vessels supported by other ships sailing nearby are rushing to the area southeast of Crete island in Libya's waters, responding to a distress call issued by a ship carrying refugees.
It is believed about 200 migrants and refugees were on board the vessel.
Greek officials were alerted on an SOS call by a Greek tanker sailing nearby, according to ministry sources.
Ten days ago, the Greek Coast Guard participated in another major rescue operation for a boat carrying hundreds of refugees that sank in Egypt's waters south of Crete.
