Greece boat sinking: 18 rescued after British boat sinks off Greek island of Milos

All 18 passengers have been rescued after a British-flagged boat sank near a Greek island, the country’s coastguard has said.

A coastguard spokeswoman said “as far as we know”, all those involved are Greek, and they are in a “healthy” condition.

The boat, said to be a yacht, overturned this morning (12 August).

At-a-glance: key points

• The coastguard said the incident involved a 28 to 30-metre vessel sinking about 16 miles to the north west of the island of Milos
• Authorities were alerted at about 10.30am local time.
• A ferry, the coastguard and the Greek navy and air force joined the rescue response.
• The rescued passengers have been taken to Milos.

Where is Milos?

Milos is south east of Athens on Greece’s mainland, and north of the major island of Crete.

It is a popular destination for tourists, with thousands of Brits visiting for holidays every summer.

Milos is famous for its natural harbour and volcanic landscape, as well as being where the statue the Venus de Milo was discovered.

Greece is currently on the UK’s amber travel list.

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