At least 33 refugees have died after two boats travelling to Greece capsized near Turkey, according to local media.
Anadolu, the state-run Turkish news agency reported that 22 people had drowned after a boat capsized near the Greek island of Lesbos, in the Bay of Edremit.
A search and rescue operation is currently underway by the Turkish coast guard, which has deployed boats and helicopters to search for survivors, Reuters reported. One refugee was rescued by a fisherman and three more by the coast guard, while 13 more people were sought in the waters.
The news of the deaths follow an earlier report from the private Turkish news agency Dogan which stated the bodies of 11 migrants had been discovered further south, near the Aegean resort of Dikili.
The International Organisation for Migration says 374 refugees have died since the start of the year while attempting to reach Greece.
More than 900,000 people fleeing Syria, Afghanistan and other impoverished and war-torn countries travelled from Turkey to Greece last year, while hundreds died in the attempt.
Additional reporting by agencies
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