42 migrants rescued off Greek island

ATHENS

Forty-two migrants were rescued off the Greek island of Crete, Greek media reported on Thursday.

An operation was underway to locate three missing migrants out of 45 passengers on board, Greek broadcaster Ert News said, citing Greek officials.

The Italian authorities informed the Hellenic Coast Guard after receiving a distress call, Greek authorities said.

The boat was located 27 nautical miles from Crete Island -- 160 km south of the Greek mainland -- when the distress call was sent late Wednesday night.

According to Greek authorities, initially, a total of 39 undocumented migrants were rescued by a nearby ship and taken to Crete Island.

Another migrant was found in the waters later and was also transferred to Crete in a helicopter.

Two more migrants were rescued by a Hellenic Navy helicopter and taken to Souda airport in Crete.