Greece rescues drifting illegal immigrants

A Greek coast guard vessel is towìng a ship carrying 1,000 illegal immigrants to safety.

A Greek coast guard vessel is towìng a ship carrying 1,000 illegal immigrants to safety.

The 165 foot ship was found drifting 30 miles south-west of Zakynthos.

The nationalities of those on board isn't known.

The merchant marine ministry says the vessel suffered mechanical failure after a fire, and the coastguard is assisting as gale force winds sweep the Ionian Sea.

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Over the past few weeks, hundreds of immigrants have been detained after sneaking across the Aegean Sea from Turkey into Greece.

Authorities also fear they could be faced with a wave of refugees following the US led bombing of Afghanistan.

PA