Immigrants who made 112 call from Othoni found in Otranto, Italy

According to the APE-MPE agency, the boat carrying immigrants, which called the 112 emergency number from an area south-west of Othoni Island yesterday, was found in the sea to the south of Otranto in Italy on Friday morning. The number of immigrants on board is not yet known.

The Coast Guard and Frontex started their search for the boat when the European 112 emergency number was called just before 8pm asking for help and giving the boat's position and the number of people on board.

Two Coast Guard patrol boats along with a Frontex patrol boat and helicopter took part in the search for the boat, which is said to have set off from Aetolia-Acarnania. Ionian Islands Regional Governor Rodi Kratsa had ordered that the Civil Protection Department be in readiness to provide any help needed to the passengers.

APE-MPE said that Ms. Kratsa, "was in contact with the Port Authority all night following the search and rescue operation."

Otranto is a small town in the province of Apulia in Italy. It is located on the east coast of the Salento peninsula and the Strait of Otranto, to which the town gives its name, connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea

Source: Kathimerini.gr