Thirty children, over 70 adults  distressed in Southeast of Nisyros

More than 100 people comprising 30 children, and over 70 adults  are reported to be distressed in Southeast of Nisyros,Greece.

Aegean Boat Report disclosed this on Monday, May 26, 2025 on its Facebook page.

“Tonight we were contacted by people onboard a drifting fishing vessel only 1.5 km from the southeastern shore of the Greek island of Nisyros,” the post begins.

“They reported that the boat was drifting due to a malfunction engine, and that there were over 100 people onboard, at least 30 of them small children,” Aegean Boat Report said.

It noted that the wind direction in the area is north west, currently 5-6 Beaufort, pushing the boat towards the cliffs on the southern shores of the island.

“Greek coast guard was immediately informed, unfortunately they have not been very cooperative, refusing to provide any information on the current situation, not even interested in confirming that they have initiated a rescue operation in the area.”

From videos received from people onboard, Aegean Boat Report said it could  see that people were cramped inside and outside of the vessel. “We have not registered anyone wearing life jackets, if the boat hit the cliffs and capsizes, this will quickly become a disaster.”

Aegean Boat Report regrettably informed that “we lost contact with the boat shortly after they contacted us, we have so far not been able to reconnect with people onboard.

“We have repeatedly tried to get updates on the case from the Greek coast guard, who refuses to provide any information, not even acknowledging that they have a case in the area.

We are deeply concerned for the fate of the over 100 passengers on the drifting boat outside Nisyros, and can only hope that they have been rescued in time, and transported to the nearest port of safety.We will publish an update as soon as we have more information.”

Providing updates by 03.40 local time, Aegean Boat Report  said:The Greek coast guard arrived with a Lambro 57 coastal patrol boat, attached a towline to the boat and towed it back to Turkish waters, where they left them drifting.The pushback has been confirmed, and we have obtained video material that clearly shows the Greek coast guard vessel who performed the pushback.

“We have been in contact and coordinated rescue with the Turkish coast guard, who has just arrived on location. We will update when we have more information available.”