At least 21 die in boat sinkings off Greek islands

At least 21 people including eight children have died as two boats smuggling migrants or refugees sank off Greek islands.

The Greek coastguard and other boats saved more than 70 people from the sunken vessels, and a search-and-rescue operation is under way for others feared trapped in the wreckage.

In the first incident, a wooden boat carrying 49 people sank in the early hours off the small islet of Farmakonissi in the eastern Aegean.

The incident occurred Friday off the coast of Didim district as the boat was sailing towards the Greek island of Farmakonisi, Didim district governor Iskender Yonden told Anadolu Agency.

It was not known how many people were on the boat, but some estimates said up to 100, and a search is continuing for more survivors.

On Thursday at least 12 migrants, including children, drowned off the Turkish coast as their boat tried to reach Greece. Other 14 migrants, among whom two children, died in the aftermath of another shipwreck close to the Greek island of Kalolimnos. Germany – where most are heading – has welcomed those it considers refugees.

European Union member states are meanwhile still squabbling over the financing for aid towards the 2.2 million Syrian refugees that Turkey is hosting.

Early on Friday, Macedonia temporarily closed its border with Greece near the town of Idomeni, the main exit point for migrants, leaving hundreds of asylum seekers in freezing conditions and unable to continue their journey to central and Northern Europe. More than 30,000 refugees have crossed over to Greece this month.

There are at last 8 children among the victims, according to the media in Athens.

“We need to make a better distinction between people who deserve worldwide protection and people who, frankly, are just migrants looking for a better life”, he said.

More than a million people entered Europe previous year in the largest migration since the end of the Second World War.

Hungary’s prime minister has praised Austria for setting a cap on the number of migrants it will take in, saying “common sense has prevailed”.