16 Refugees drown off coast of Lesvos

Sixteen refugees including children lost their lives after their boat capsized off the coast of Lesvos early Monday.

Greek authorities found two women alive during the search and rescue operations, one of whom was pregnant and taken to Mytilene General Hospital.

Authorities have already recovered the dead bodies of nine migrants and refugees (six women, two men and one child) while the Turkish Coast Guard has found seven bodies (six men and one child) but according to the two women found alive by Greek authorities there were approximately 25 persons in the dinghy.

A Greek coast guard vessel, a Frontex patrol boat, a Hellenic Navy torpedo boat, privately-owned vessels and a Hellenic Airforce SuperPuma helicopter alternating with a Frontex helicopter were taking part in the search at sea, while coast guard and Frontex vehicles were scouring the shore.