A Frontex patrol vessel ran aground and subsequently sank off the coast of Anaxos on the eastern Aegean Island of Lesbos (Lesvos) on Monday, triggering an immediate and stepped-up search and rescue was commenced by the Greek Coast Guard.

Six Frontex personnel aboard the craft were rescued and reported in good health. The six were transported to the port of Molyvos on the large island.

An investigation has begun into how the patrol boat ran aground.

Frontex is the European Union’s Border and Coast Guard Agency, whose task is to support EU member-states in managing the bloc’s external borders and combating cross-border crime.