Search for migrant boat as powerful storm lashes Greece

Hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall battered several islands off the western coast of Greece (Nikiforos Stamenis/AP)

Greek authorities launched a large search and rescue operation on Friday following a distress call from a vessel carrying dozens of migrants, which was caught in a powerful storm that lashed western Greece with hurricane-force winds and heavy rain.

Coast guard officials said at least three merchant ships reached the area where the vessel, believed to be carrying more than 50 people, was reported in trouble off the south-west Peloponnese region but had not found any trace of it by late afternoon.