Athens, Rabi'I 08, 1436, December 30, 2014, SPA -- A freighter carrying an estimated 600 migrants west of the Greek island of Corfu sent out a distress signal on Tuesday, authorities said, prompting rescue efforts. A helicopter and a frigate were both sent to the ship's position, dpa quoted the Defence Ministry and Greek Coast Guard as saying. The ship, named Blue Sky and flying a Moldovan flag, was caught in poor weather near the island of Othonoi northwest of Corfu. According to Greek media reports, it was carrying migrants to Italy. Some of the people on the ship were reportedly armed, and the ship was believed to be part of a human smuggling operation. -- SPA 20:13 LOCAL TIME 17:13 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w