Ship off Greek coast carrying 700 'illegal immigrants' issues SOS: 'Armed people on board'

Shiptracking service Marinetraffic.com show that Blue Sky has recently changed its course and made a sharp turn towards Italy instead of Croatia where it was heading

A ship carrying hundreds of passengers near the island of Corfu has issued a distress call because of armed people on board, according to the Greek shipping ministry.

Several reports say the vessel, currently off the coast of Corfu, is carrying 700 passengers.

Greek state television has reported that 'illegal immigrants' are involved in the situation on the ship, while other news sources say all 700 passengers are 'undocumented migrants'.

The vessel that sent out the distress call is a Moldovan cargo ship called , Corfu Port Authority President Spiros Andriotis told protothemanews.com

The cargo ship was headed to a Croatian port when it sent out the distress call, but tracking services show that the ship made a sharp turn, setting course towards Italy.

Greek authorities have sent navy helicopters to the spot to aid the ship.

Further shiptracking data shows that Blue Sky made two sharp turns before heading towards Italy