A Frontex-financed Latvian helicopter took part in a large rescue operation off the Greek island of Farmakonisi over the weekend. In total, 99 people were saved after their wooden boat capsized in high winds. Greek forces also recovered 34 bodies, including 15 children. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing.
The Latvian helicopter and a Latvian patrol boat, which are both taking part in the Frontex-coordinated Operation Poseidon, also took part in a search for four boys between the ages of 8 and 13, north of Samos Island on Saturday. The four were reported missing after a small yacht carrying 29 migrants capsized. The search operation led by Greek authorities continues.
Also over the weekend, Norwegian rescue boat Pater Henry von Koss rescued 32 Syrians including eight children, near Lesbos Island. The people, many without life jackets, were in the water and their small boat was nowhere to be found. Search operations are ongoing for one male passenger reported missing by his brother.
In total last week, boats and helicopters deployed by Frontex took part in some 50 search and rescue operations near the Greek islands in the Aegean.