Twelve migrants have died in two boat accidents in the Aegean Sea

Off the Greek islands of Samos and Lesbos, two boats carrying migrants have capsized within a few hours of each other. According to the authorities, at least twelve people have died. A suspected people-smuggler has been arrested. A total of twelve people have lost their lives in two incidents involving refugee boats in the Aegean Sea. Both accidents took place off Greek islands situated close to the Turkish coast. Six refugees lost their lives off the island of Samos this morning. “A boat carrying migrants sank and six people were recovered, but were already dead,” explained the Greek coastguard. The boat apparently capsized following a sharp manoeuvre. Fourteen of the passengers were rescued. Incident off Lesbos too Off the Greek island of Lesbos, a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a coastguard vessel during the night, according to media reports citing the authorities. Six people were also killed in the incident, including an infant. Eight people were reportedly rescued, and the exact circumstances of the accident are to be investigated. A Turkish passenger is believed to be a suspected people-smuggler and has been arrested. Human rights activists point to a similar collision off the island of Chios in February. Fifteen refugees died in that incident. Survivors accused the coastguard at the time of ploughing through the crowd without warning. The coastguard denies this. With information from Moritz Pompl, ARD Athens Bureau