Three people died and five were rescued after a boat carrying migrants ran into trouble off the eastern Aegean island of Samos, Greek authorities reported Monday.
The Greek coast guard said the exact number of passengers aboard the vessel, believed to be a dinghy, remains unclear. Details of the incident are still under investigation.
An extensive search and rescue operation is underway northwest of Samos. Three coast guard patrol boats, a private vessel, and an air force helicopter are scouring the area. Ground crews are also searching the shoreline for possible survivors.
Officials have not released information on the identities or nationalities of those rescued or the recovered bodies.
Greece is a key entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Despite increased border control measures along the Turkish frontier, thousands still make the perilous journey, often using small inflatable dinghies to cross from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe via Mediterranean routes.
