At least 41 migrants die in 2 shipwrecks off Greek islands

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. About 85 percent of them crossed to the Greek islands from nearby Turkey, paying large sums to smuggling gangs for berths in unseaworthy boats.

Europe continues to face the worst refugee crisis since World War II, with the number of asylum seekers expected to increase this year. They then head north, trying to reach Germany and Scandinavia. Several member states have blocked or restricted refugees and resisted plans to share the responsibility of sheltering people.

Despite winter weather, refugees – many from Syria – are still making the perilous journey from Turkey in flimsy boats every day.

Over a million migrants arrived in Europe illegally previous year. It was not clear why the vessel capsized, but witnesses said strong winds were blowing at the time.

Germany and Turkey have emerged as crucial players in the crisis, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who hosted Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu for talks, said both sides signed an agreement to “do everything to reduce the number of refugees” crossing into the EU.

“We are doing studies of that, and it is impressive”, she said, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Valls also said Europe must take steps to better control its external borders.

Two wooden boats, packed with refugees, sank early Friday in the waters of the Aegean Sea – claiming at least 42 lives.

In the first incident off Kalolimnos the Coast Guard has so far recovered 34 dead bodies- among them the eleven children- and rescued 26 people.

“Six children and one woman drowned while another 41 migrants on the vessel managed to swim to the shore”, the coastguard official said.

One survivor told APTV that the vessel’s engine failed about 3 a.m., five hours after they departed from Izmir in Turkey.

Greek Coast guard officers prepare for a rescue mission at the port of Kalymnos island on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016.

He added: “We know clearly that after the Cologne incidents that with the continuous flow, not only to Germany but the countries of Northern Europe, Austria, the Balkans are confronted with this influx, that’s why we need to find practical solutions for our borders”.