ISTANBUL: At least five people, including a child, drowned on Friday after a boat carrying illegal immigrants trying to reach Greece capsized off western Turkey, the coastguard said.

The sinking is the latest fatal tragedy in European waters that has aroused calls for action over the vast tide of illegal immigration from the Middle East and Africa.

“Acting on a tip-off at 2:30 am (0030 GMT) the coastguard seized the boat and recovered five bodies,” Turkish coastguard official Arslan Dede said.

Eight people were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital after the sinking in the Aegean Sea, he said, adding that a search was continuing for one missing person.

The nationalities of those on the boat were not immediately known but media reports said they were believed to be Syrians.—AFP