Yacht's distress call leads to Greek marijuana bust

A Turkish flagged yacht was found to be carrying around 1,500lbs of marijuana, after Greek authorities responded to a distress call issued near the island of Nisyros.

The Greek coast guard launched a rescue operation late Thursday, following a distress call emanating from the sailing vessel in the eastern Aegean Sea. The three yacht crew on board had radioed for help due to engine failure.

A diverted freighter located the yacht, and authorities towed the yacht to Nisyros. As a search of the vessel was being undertaken early Friday morning, the illicit substances were found and the three Turkish nationals on board were arrested.

It is unknown where the vessel was heading.