Afghan asylum seekers missing off Greek island

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The migrants rescued are all well and say they are Afghans, said a coastguard official who declined to be named.
Sunday, 16 January 2011 09:43

A Dutch-flagged vessel rescued 241 immigrants stranded on a wooden boat about 30 miles (50 km) off the Greek island of Corfu and coastguards are searching for 22 missing migrants, coastguards said on Sunday.

Greece has become the main gateway to the European Union for migrants and asylum seekers.

“Searches are now being conducted by five vessels and search and rescue helicopters looking for 22 people who are missing according to statements making by those rescued,” the Greek coastguards said in a statement.

The migrants rescued are all well and say they are Afghans, said a coastguard official who declined to be named. They called for help late in the evening and were found at about 0230 local time (0030 GMT).

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