ATHENS: Hundreds of migrants were saved by Greece on Tuesday after the fishing boat they were aboard sent out a distress signal off the coast of Crete, according to the coast guard.

According to survivors, approximately 400 to 500 people were on board. The rescue, which was hampered by near-gale force gusts in the vicinity, included assistance from two cargo ships, a naval frigate, and a tanker.

The southern beach town of Paleochora received the migrants. The spokesman was unable to quickly confirm either the actual number of passengers or their nationalities.

Greece is one of the primary entrance sites into the European Union for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, along with Spain and Italy. The majority of people seeking refuge go from Turkey to Greece, while Greek news outlets said Tuesday's rescuers had travelled from Libya.