International Desk : Fifty-nine people have been killed after a boat carrying dozens of migrants sank in southern Greece, reports AFP.

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The accident happened in international waters in the Ionian Sea and prompted an extensive rescue operation complicated by strong winds, the coastguard said earlier.

Along with navy vessels, the operation included an army plane and helicopter as well as six other boats that were in the area.

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The coastguard said since very early Wednesday, an extensive rescue operation is underway off Pylos, after a fishing boat capsized with a large number of migrants onboard.

A surveillance plane with Europe's Frontex agency had spotted the boat Tuesday afternoon, but the passengers "refused any help", the coastguard said.

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Greece along with Italy and Spain have long been the main landing points for the tens of thousands of people seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East.

Greece is also facing an increase of crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea.

Sun News/MR

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