Greece launches a rescue effort for dozens of migrants on yacht off southern coast

A rescue operation is underway to assist dozens of migrants on a sailboat reported in trouble off the southern coast of Greece, authorities said Friday, amid a rise in migration to the Mediterranean country.

Four civilian vessels were ordered to provide assistance while three coast guard boats and a naval ship were sent to the area, southwest of the Peloponnese region. A navy helicopter was helping coordinate the effort.

The coast guard said the migrants' boat was not letting in water or otherwise in danger, as had been initially reported, and that the number of people on board was likely under 100.

The incident occurred near the site of a maritime tragedy in mid-June when hundreds of migrants died or went missing after a fishing trawler sank in international waters while traveling from Libya to Italy. Greece was heavily criticized for failing to safely...