Twelve migrants died in two separate boat incidents off the Greek islands of Samos and Lesvos on the same day, according to Greek authorities.

The latest incident occurred off the coast of Samos, where a speedboat carrying migrants capsized during manoeuvres, leaving six people dead and 14 others rescued.

Greek authorities said the boat overturned approximately 3.7 nautical miles north of Samos. A search and rescue operation was launched involving a navy vessel, a coast guard rescue boat and an air force helicopter.

The incident was the second deadly migrant boat accident recorded in Greek waters on the same day.

Hours earlier, another migrant boat incident occurred off the island of Lesvos, where six migrants, including an infant, died after a speedboat collided with a Greek coast guard patrol vessel and overturned.

Greek authorities said the boat had carried out dangerous manoeuvres while attempting to avoid a coast guard inspection before the collision.

Eight people, including four men, two women and two children, were rescued and taken to hospital for treatment.

Authorities said the 37-year-old Turkish national who was operating the migrant boat was detained on suspicion of human smuggling.

The eastern Aegean Sea remains one of the main routes used by migrants and refugees attempting to reach the European Union from Türkiye.

Greek authorities have repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by human smuggling networks that transport migrants in overcrowded and unsafe boats.

The latest incidents have once again highlighted the risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings in the Aegean.(ILKHA)