Rescue Operation Underway Off Southwestern Greece for Around 90 Migrants on Board Yacht

A Greek Coast Guard vessel patrols at the maritime border between Greece and Turkey near the small Greek Aegean Sea island of Agathonissi on May 30, 2009. Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images

ATHENS, Greece—A rescue operation was underway Wednesday morning for dozens of migrants on board a yacht reported to be in difficulty off the southwestern coast of Greece, authorities said.

The coast guard said the yacht, believed to be carrying around 90 people, was spotted about 40 nautical miles (46 miles, 74 kilometers) west of the small town of Pylos.