By Mehmet Hatipoglu
KOMOTINI, Greece (AA) - At least 30 people were rescued after a boat carrying irregular migrants sank on Monday near the Greek island of Crete, according to Greek News Agency ANA-MPA.
A merchant ship dispatched to the region, some 19 kilometers (12 miles) east of Crete, made the rescue after a person on the sinking boat called the emergency call center for help.
In addition to a helicopter and boat belonging to the Greek Coast Guard, a navy frigate was sent to the region to participate in search and rescue operations, the agency added.
*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur