In a statement, the GNR said that the Coastal Control Unit (CCU) soldiers deployed on the island of Samos-Greece detected a rubber vessel carrying migrants, about two nautical miles away from the Port of Pythagorio.

One of the migrants had fallen into the water and required a sea rescue operation.

This year the GNR has carried out more than 600 patrols, which corresponds to more than four thousand hours of commitment, detected 200 vessels and assisted around 1,700 migrants.

As part of the Frontex mission, the GNR "carries out actions at land and sea borders to prevent, detect and prosecute illegal immigration, trafficking in human beings and other cross-border crimes, contributing primarily to the safeguarding of human lives".