The key facts

  • Six people, including an infant and four women, died off Lesbos after their boat collided with a police vessel.
  • Six more migrants died when a boat capsized off the island of Samos.
  • According to the IOM, at least 1,209 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year.

Two incidents near Greek islands

Greek authorities reported on Monday, October 19, the deaths of 12 migrants who were attempting to cross the Aegean Sea. According to the coast guard, six people died off the island of Lesbos after their boat collided with a police vessel. Among the dead were an infant and four women.

Shipwreck off Samos

Six more migrants died when a small boat capsized off the island of Samos, the coast guard added.

Overall statistics

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 1,209 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean Sea since the beginning of the year. Euronews notes that the story is developing and journalists are preparing further updates.