EP Vice-President, Marc ANGEL (S&D, LU), gives a statement on the migrants tragedy in Mediterranean sea nearby Greek coast. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

EU - Greece (T)

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

Immigration (T2)

Asylum policy (T2)

ANGEL, Marc (S&D, LU)

Statement by Marc ANGEL (S&D, LU), EP Vice-President, on the migrants tragedy in Mediterranean sea

SOUNDBITE (English), Marc ANGEL (S&D, LU), EP Vice-President, The president asked me to make a very short statement, before we vote, about the tragedy that unfolded yesterday in international waters off the coast of Greece. 79 people are reported to have lost their lives and around 100 have thankfully been rescued so far. And rescue operations by the Greek coast guard are ongoing.

SOUNDBITE (English), Marc ANGEL (S&D, LU), EP Vice-President, Details are still being established. However, there are suggestion that over 750 people were crammed on a small fishing boat with children in the hold. None of the people on board were wearing life jackets. The European Parliament pays its respect to the victims and praises the ongoing rescue efforts. Thank you.