Greek authorities find 12 bodies in boat carrying migrants south of Crete

The boat was found 15 nautical miles south of Crete on Monday.

Another two boats, one carrying 47 people and another with 40 people on board, were also found sailing south of Crete.

Greek authorities say they have recovered 12 bodies from a boat carrying migrants found sailing south of the island of Crete, while a passing cargo ship rescued 18 people from the same vessel.

No further information was immediately available on the 12 people who died.

Greece’s coast guard said the boat they were travelling in was found about 15 nautical miles south of the southern island of Crete on Monday morning.

Another two boats, one carrying 47 people and another with 40 people on board, were also found sailing south of Crete.

Thousands of migrants have been making the dangerous sea crossing from the northern shores of Africa to Greece in recent months.

Greece lies on one of the most frequently used routes for people fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa, the Middle East and Asia and heading into Europe.