What we know about latest migrant boat sinking off Greek island of Lesbos

A wooden boat carrying migrants and refugees sank off the coast of Lesbos at around 4pm on Wednesday.

Three people have been confirmed dead, but ITV News understands the death toll is at least seven.

Here's what we know so far about the latest tragedy.

  • What happened during the incident?

The fishing boat, which was in waters off Lesbos, was understood to be packed with around 300 people.

According to one official on the ground, the upper deck of the boat collapsed on the crowds below.

A second boat then reportedly accidentally crashed into the vessel, causing it to sink and sending hundreds of people into the sea.

  • How many people have died?

The official death toll so far is three, including two children aged one and four.

However, ITV News understands that seven people have now been found dead.

The Greek coastguard has pulled 242 people from the water but around 38 are still believed to be missing.

  • Is this the first tragedy to hit the area?

Sadly, no.

Lesbos lies less than six miles from the Turkish coast and is now seen as the main route for the many thousands of people from the Middle East and Africa hoping to reach safety and prosperity in the European Union.

As a result, many have made the perilous journey, often with tragic consequences.

At least 11 people, mostly children, died in five separate incidents in the eastern Aegean Sea on Wednesday alone.

According to the UNHCR, at least 100 people have died making the crossing from Turkey to Greece this year, while across the whole Mediterranean more than 3,100 have perished.