Greece: Rescue Operation for Hundreds on Drifting Boat

Migrants are escorted upon their arrival on an inflatable boat at Lesbos island where local residents will later prevent them from disembarking. (File/AFP)

Greek authorities say a major rescue operation is underway off the coast of the southern island of Crete after a boat believed to be carrying hundreds of migrants lost steering and was drifting in rough seas. 

The coast guard said Tuesday that passengers on the boat had made a distress call to an emergency number during the night to alert authorities.