45 people drown as boats sank-off Greece

At least 45 people drowned when three refugee boats sank-off Greece, as Turkey pledged to do everything to stop record numbers of migrants heading to Europe. Despite wintry conditions, thousands of people fleeing war and misery are still embarking on the dangerous sea journey to seek a better life in Europe. In a stark illustration of the high cost of the voyage, Greek and Turkish coastguards recovered the bodies of 45 migrants, including 20 children, whose boats capsized on their way to Greece, officials said Friday. Greek rescuers pulled 74 people to safety after two



boats ran into trouble off the Aegean islands of Farmakonisi and Kalolimnos in the early hours.

But the toll could rise as rescuers were still scouring the waters for people missing from the boat that capsized off Kalolimnos. Separately, the Turkish coastguard found the bodies of three children Friday after a third boat sank near the seaside resort of Didim, the Dogan news agency reported.