Immigrant ship stranded near Greece

Greek rescue vessels and helicopters battled stormy weather today after receiving a distress call from a ship believed to be carrying scores of illegal immigrants, authorities said.

The SOS call suggested the ship was sinking or in danger of foundering in rough seas and galeforce winds near the Aegean Sea island of Kassos, about 180 miles south-east of Athens, according to police.

As many as 260 people could be on board the vessel, local radio said.

Many ships set sail from Turkey with illegal immigrants bound for Greece or Italy.

Last month, more than 190 immigrants were found on the islet of Gioura in the central Aegean after their wooden fishing vessel foundered. Most were Iraqi Kurds, but the group included Pakistanis, Chinese, Moroccans and an Afghan.

Tens of thousands of people attempt to enter EU member Greece illegally each year. Many cross the country’s mountainous northern borders or sail to Greek islands from the nearby Turkish coast.