17 migrants drown in Crete sea crossing

At least 17 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in an inflatable boat died when it capsized south of the island of Crete, Greek authorities say.

The half-sunken dinghy was located on Saturday 36 nautical miles off the coast of Ierapetra by a passing Turkish merchant vessel, authorities said.

A ship and a plane from European border agency Frontex, a Greek Coast Guard helicopter and three merchant vessels took part in the…