Afghan boy killed in refugee boat mishap in Aegean, 65 rescued

A 10-year-old Afghan boy was killed Saturday in a boat mishap off the island of Lesvos in the Aegean Sea, while 65 people were rescued, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

The boy, his parents and two younger sisters were in the boat crammed with other refugees and migrants illegally crossing from Turkey to Greece.

He was most likely trampled to death when the passengers panicked following a vessel of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency approaching the boat, according to initial information by Greek Coast Guard sources.

The passengers thought the approaching vessel was Turkish and they would be returned to Turkey, which triggered a mad scramble.

The unconscious boy was taken to hospital in Mytilene, capital of Lesvos, but succumbed to his injuries.

His mother tried to jump into the sea but was saved by Greek Coast Guard officers, AMNA reported.