At least 7 die after boat sinks off Greek island

ATHENS: At least seven people died after their boat sank on Thursday off the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece’s coast guard told Xinhua.

The boat carrying refugees and migrants capsized under unclear circumstances off the northern coast of the island early Thursday morning. So far, 23 people have been rescued, while search efforts continue.

It was not immediately known how many people may have been on the boat.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway on both land and sea.

The mission involves three Greek coast guard patrol vessels, one passing ship, and three vehicles.

A helicopter is also assisting in the effort to locate missing persons, according to Greek public broadcaster ERT.

-Xinhua