Athens:
Greek authorities say at least one person has died after a boat with dozens of immigrants, who were trying to enter the country illegally, caught fire and sank in the eastern Aegean Sea.
The Merchant Marine Ministry says many people were rescued on Friday from international waters off the island of Tilos. Rescuers are searching the area by air and sea for more survivors or victims.
The ministry said about 80 people are believed to have been on the boat, but the precise number has not yet been established and it is unclear how many are missing.
The survivors were picked up by a Turkish coastguard boat. The nationalities of the immigrants were not immediately known.
Greece is a major gateway for people trying to reach Europe illegally.
The Merchant Marine Ministry says many people were rescued on Friday from international waters off the island of Tilos. Rescuers are searching the area by air and sea for more survivors or victims.
The ministry said about 80 people are believed to have been on the boat, but the precise number has not yet been established and it is unclear how many are missing.
The survivors were picked up by a Turkish coastguard boat. The nationalities of the immigrants were not immediately known.
Greece is a major gateway for people trying to reach Europe illegally.
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