Greek authorities rescuing 130 people aboard stricken sailboat south of Crete

ATHENS, Greece – Greek authorities say coast guard and navy vessels are conducting a rescue operation for about 130 people on board a sailboat in trouble south of the island of Crete.

Coast guard authorities said in a statement the boat was taking on water about 30 nautical miles (34 miles; 55.5 kilometers) southeast of the island of Koufonissi, a small island south of Crete.

A passing cargo vessel had begun collecting the passengers of the stricken 35-meter (115-foot) sailboat, the coast guard said.

There was no immediate information on the nationalities of the people on board.

Greece is the main point of entry for migrants trying to enter the European Union illegally. Tens of thousands cross the border from Turkey or sail to the country's southern islands from north Africa each year.