Comments come after Oval Office meeting with Nato’s Mark Rutte signalled a shift in tone on conflict

Five Portuguese crew and a Greek liaison officer on a Frontex boat have been rescued after their boat hit a rock while on search and rescue patrol near the island of Lesbos , a popular entry point for people trying to enter the EU without papers.

Frontex, the EU agency responsible for assisting countries in policing external borders, said:

“On Monday afternoon, a coastal patrol boat operated by the Portuguese Maritime Police, taking part in Frontex’s Joint Operation in Greece, sank off the coast of Lesvos during a search and rescue mission involving irregular migrants.”