Twelve illegal immigrants dead off the coast of Lefkada

Tragedy with twelve illegal immigrants who died at the sea area of Paleros, opposite Lefkada, while the death toll might rise as the investigation continues. Among the victims are four children.

According to initial information, the immigrants alerted the police via cell phone that they are in a boat and in danger and that the boat turned over a short distance from the shore.

A Greek coastguard vessel rushed immediately to the point where and spotted the boat.

Fifteen illegal immigrants had managed to reach the shore unharmed and a while later the Coast Guard located the others.

According to the mayor of Lefkada the weather in the area at the time of the accident was good and the boat was seven meters long, so the at least 27 immigrants (12 dead and 15 survivors) would certainly be piled in it.

Newer information from cityvoice.gr said the boat with the 27 foreigners, had been stolen from Paleros and was owned by a man in Agrinio.

The immigrants were originally from Syria and their traffickers were two Egyptians and one Greek. It is worth noting that a few days ago they had again attempted to steal a boat from the area.

The Greek Coast Guard is searching the area as the survivors said there were more people onboard.