Athens, Jan 20 (IANS): At least 12 illegal migrants went missing after their boat capsized off Greece Monday.
The boat carrying 28 people was traced off the coast of Farmakonissi island in the Aegean Sea by the coast guard and was being towed towards a nearby port as the boat seemed to have mechanical problems, Xinhua reported.
On its way to the port, two migrants fell in the sea. The boat capsized when passengers tried to help them.
Of them, 16 migrants were saved, and the coast guard launched a rescue operation to locate the missing people.
Greece has become a gateway for illegal migrants seeking to enter Europe, hundreds of whom reportedly drown during their attempts each year.
As Greece is holding the rotating presidency of the European Union, the battle against human trafficking has become a priority for the government.