EU border patrol vessel sinks off Greek island

A European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) vessel sank on Monday after striking a coral reef near the Greek island of Lesbos, Greek authorities said, reported Xinhua.

All six crew members aboard the Portuguese-flagged vessel were rescued safely by the Hellenic Coast Guard.

The Frontex boat was participating in a joint search and rescue operation with Greek authorities when the incident occurred.

The operation had been launched earlier in the day after 36 migrants were rescued in Greek waters. Four individuals from the group remain missing after reportedly departing from the Turkish coast, according to the Coast Guard.

Frontex has been assisting European Union (EU) member states in managing the bloc's external borders in recent years.

Greece remains a key entry point for migrants and asylum seekers attempting to reach the EU, with over a million arrivals -- mostly from Türkiye -- recorded since 2015. While migrant flows have decreased in recent years, tens of thousands still risk the perilous sea crossing annually in pursuit of safety and better opportunities in Europe.