British boat sinks in Greece: 18 passengers SAVED after coastguard launch rescue operation
A BRITISH-FLAGGED vessel has sunk off the coast of Greece, with a rescue operation underway to save the 18 passengers onboard.
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The boat is located off the island of the Cycladic island of Milos, the Greek coast guard have said. They added that three of its vessels as well as one private boat, a navy helicopter and an air force helicopter were assisting the rescue operation. The circumstances of the accident were not immediately known and there were no immediate details on the type of vessel involved.
Shortly after announcing the news of the ship's plight, the Greek coast goard said all of the vessel's 18 passengers had been rescued.
They were now being taken ashore.
A coastguard spokeswoman said "as far as we know", all those involved are Greek, and they are in a "healthy" condition.
Earlier, the coastguard said the incident involved a 28 to 30-metre vessel sinking about 16 miles to the north west of the island of Milos, with authorities alerted at about 10.30am local time.
Milos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades group and is known for its exoctic beaches and colour landscapes.
Earlier reports said there were 17 passengers on board the boat.
It comes as Greece tackles major wildfires that have been raging across the country for weeks.
Thousands of people have been evacuated from villages in Greece, as the fires continue to rip through the country.
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As the situation shows no sign of easing, several European countries are helping Greece tackle the fire.
Israel, Switzerland and the UK are helping the Greek authorities.
The EU said it was mobilising "one of Europe's biggest-ever common firefighting operations" to help Greece and other affected countries.
More than 500 wildfires have been raging across Greece this month, fuelled by strong winds and parched vegetation.
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