48 illegal immigrants arrested near Greece

Greek authorities have arrested 48 illegal immigrants from three boats trying to reach the country’s eastern islands, port officials said today.

Twenty illegal immigrants and a foreign captain were arrested near Leros island as their rudderless boat was taking on water, a statement by Greece’s Merchant Marine Ministry said.

Another 17 people aboard a speedboat were stopped off Lesvos island, while 10 more people, including four children, were arrested on Samos after reaching land in an inflatable boat from Turkey.

All those arrested were taken for medical tests, the ministry said.

Greece is a common entry point for thousands of economic migrants trying to reach Europe each year, often taking rickety boats from the Turkish coast.

Greek authorities have pushed for greater EU cooperation to stop the flow of undocumented migrants.