Four dead in refugee boat tragedy off Lesvos island

Four people died while their boat carrying refugees and migrants from Turkey to Greece capsized off the coast of Lesvos island, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Wednesday.

According to Greek Coast Guard sources, the dead bodies of a four-year-old girl, an infant boy, a woman and a man have been retrieved by Greek Navy and Greek Coast Guard vessels. Six people have been rescued, while another one was missing.

Survivors told Greek authorities that a total of 11 people were on board the inflatable dinghy when it capsized under still undetermined conditions.

The nationalities of the victims and the survivors have not been clarified yet.

Greek authorities are assisted by European border agency Frontex forces in the search operation.

The island of Lesvos has been the main entrance point into Europe for more than 1 million refugees and migrants who have boarded such boats since early 2015. Hundreds have perished in the waters.

Following an agreement between Turkey and the European Union to stem the flow, there has been a dramatic decrease in arrivals.

Still people are risking their lives seeking refuge from the war-torn countries.

According to local authorities, another 90 people who were on board two boats landed safely on Lesvos shores on Wednesday. Endi