At least 22 dead after a boat with migrants capsized in Greece

According to the authorities, a boat with migrants trying to enter Greece capsized on Moday in the eastern Aegean Sea.

At least 22 people drowned and other 7 are declared missing. As the rescue teams are still looking for the missing persons, the accident was already declared the third deadliest this year.

The migrants were from countries in the Middle East and Africa.

It wasn't clear in the first instance what exactly caused the overloaded craft to capsize.

The United Nations refugee agency appealed to European governments to look for "legal migration alternatives" for people trying to escape war zones.

Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, the Minister of Merchant Marine of Greece, declared himself “devastated” by the tragedy.

"Modern-day slave traders are making a fortune by placing thousands of people's lives at risk, putting them on small and unsuitable boats at night in the Aegean," he said.

"It is vital to understand what it is that routinely brings thousands of migrants to trust smugglers, face exorbitant costs, and risk their lives on unseaworthy vessels," said migration expert Maurizio Albahari.

"It's quite simple. It is legally impossible for them to travel safely on planes and ferries. But they risk ... many dangers to escape despair, and are prepared to die in order to set off with new hope," he added.

According to the coastguard, 23 Somalis, nine Syrians and three Eritreans were rescued from the capsized boat. There were a total of 60 to 65 people on the boat, survivors told authorities.

"We can't give a precise number of missing people with any certainty," coast guard spokesman said.