Ship off Corfu with hundreds on board issues distress call

A cargo ship believed to be carrying hundreds of migrants has issued a distress call in bad weather northwest of the Ionian island of Corfu on Tuesday, Greek authorities said

Greek officials said a Greek frigate that was in the area and a Navy helicopter are heading to the area. The ship is believed to be carrying about 600 migrants.

The call comes two days after a Greek passenger ferry with more than 400 people on board caught fire in the same area, leading to a massive rescue operation by Italian and Greek coast guard and military officials.