Two babies were among nine people who drowned off western Turkey when the fibreglass boat taking them to Greece partially capsized.
The incident occurred at 5:35am local time, off the coast of Seferihisar in Izmir province -- close to the Greek island of Samos.
Two people were rescued as they swam towards the shore, according to a statement issued by the Turkish coast guard.
Dangerous winter conditions and a crackdown on illegal crossing have failed to stop tens of thousands from attempting to cross the Mediterranean waves in flimsy boats.
Reuters
