Over 1,400 refugees rescued off Greek coast in 72 hours

More than 1,400 refugees and migrants were rescued over the past three days in the Aegean Sea, the Greek coast guard said Monday.

Nineteen people, including several children, perished in the rough waters between Greece and Turkey.

A fishing boat with 200 on board washed ashore the Greek island of Rhodes early Monday. Residents formed a human chain and rushed into the water to help bring people to land, local media reported.

Some 5,000 people arrived Saturday on Lesbos, the Greek island that is the main gateway to Europe for those making the dangerous sea voyage after escaping conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.