Twelve migrants lost their lives on Monday while trying to cross the Aegean Sea from Turkey towards Europe.

Greek authorities confirmed the deaths in two separate incidents involving overloaded boats.

Six people, including a baby and four women, died after their speedboat collided with a police patrol vessel near the island of Lesbos. Eight others from the same boat were rescued by the coast guard.

In a second incident off the island of Samos, another boat carrying migrants capsized. Five men and one woman died, while 14 people were pulled from the water alive. One of those rescued is believed to be an Iranian organiser of the crossing.
The Aegean Sea remains a busy and dangerous route for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Many have lost their lives in similar attempts over the years due to overcrowded and poorly equipped boats.

Earlier in September, one person died and 25 others went missing after a migrant boat sank near the island of Gavdos, close to Crete. The latest tragedies highlight the ongoing risks faced by those making the crossing.