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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-04-09
CONTENTS
[01] About 200 undocumented migrants located so far south of Gavdos
[01] About 200 undocumented migrants located so far south of Gavdos
ANA - MPA -- The number of undocumented migrants located on Thursday
on various parts of the small island of Gavdos, south of Crete, has
risen to about 200, although authorities have not concluded the count,
according to initial information.
According to sources, the migrants arrived on a large fishing boat in
the area of Tripiti, just off the southern coast of the island, from
where they managed to reach the shore by themselves. Those located are
being led to the main village on the island, Kastri, a process that is
proving difficult as they the distance is quite long and the migrants
are exhausted. They are expected to be housed in various venues until
it is decided how they will be transferred elsewhere.
The migrants, among who are women, children and elderly, will spend the
night at the local primary school and are currently being examined by
the islands' nurse. Local residents have mobilized to secure food and
water for the people.
A Coast Guard boat which reached the area this morning searched
the sea area where the fishing boat was located but didn't find any
migrants. Another vessel is transferring doctors, medical equipment and
police officers from Sfakia in Crete to Gavdos, but because of the strong
winds authorities cannot send a larger boat with supplies.
Gavdos mayor Evangelia Kallinikou spoke with Alternate Minister for
Migration Policy Tasia Christodoulopoulou, who pledged she will send a
helicopter with supplies and tents. In the meantime, the Coast Guard
is continuing the search operation to locate more people.
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