Greece rescues 50 migrants amid uptick in numbers
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 August 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Greece rescues 50 migrants amid uptick in numbers, 19 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a1b13.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 19, 2016
Police in Greece say about 50 migrants have been rescued off the country's southwest coast after their boat hit a rock.
The migrants were rescued near the town of Methoni on August 19.
Greek authorities have recorded a spike in the number of migrants reaching the country in recent days. During August 18-19, 261 new arrivals were registered, most of them on the island of Lesbos.
Last week, there were from 13 to 147 arrivals daily.
The figures, however, are much lower than last year because of a deal signed between the EU and Turkey in March. Under that agreement, Turkey agreed to take back migrants who reach Greece in exchange for the EU accepting an equal number from refugee camps in Turkey.
There are still an estimated 10,000 migrants at camps on Greek islands in the Aegean trying to avoid being returned to Turkey.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
