Three Migrants Die As Boat Capsizes: Greek Coastguard

Three people drowned and at least 12 were believed to be missing in a migrant shipwreck off the island of Mykonos, the Greek coast guard said on Friday.

Two men, a Syrian and a Palestinian, were rescued, and according to their accounts a total of 17 people were on board the boat, a coast guard official said.

Four coast guard vessels and three helicopters have fanned out in a search and rescue mission, the official added.

Most cross on inflatable boats from Turkey considered a "safe third country” to outlying Greek islands, a short but dangerous journey by paying their way via smugglers using dangerous un seaworthy vessels.