A Dutch-flagged vessel and coast guard officials rescued 241 immigrants after their wooden boat sent out distress signals 30 nautical miles off of the island on Sunday.

The immigrants rescued were all well and say they are Afghans.

At least 22 people were still missing and several ships, coast guard patrol boats and aircraft, were searching the area for signs of the missing immigrants.

Greece has become a main gateway for illegal immigrants and asylum seekers seeking to enter Europe.

Over the past few years illegal immigrants have opted to enter Greece via the land route with Turkey rather than crossing the dangerous waters of the Aegean or Ionian Seas.

Greece is home to more than a million illegal immigrants.