Greek authorities say at least two people have drowned and another 30 are missing after two boats crammed with immigrants trying to illegally enter the country sank in the eastern Aegean Sea.
A coast guard said in a statement the vessels foundered off the island of Samos near the Turkish coast before dawn today. It said 36 people were rescued from the sea.
A cruise ship, coast guard vessels, fishing boats and two search and rescue helicopters are combing the area for more survivors. The nationalities of the migrants are unknown.
Greece is a major entry point for people from poor or war-torn parts of Asia and Africa seeking a better life in the European Union. Fatal accidents are frequent as migrants risk the dangerous sea crossing from Turkey.
