Five people have drowned off the Turkish coast as they tried to reach the Greek islands, Turkish media reported on Tuesday.

Turkish coast guards unloaded five body bags at the harbor of western Turkey tourist town Bodrum as rescued migrants sat on the wharf.

Details of the nationalities and identities of the dead were not immediately available.

Ayberk Olcay of the Bodrum Sea Rescue Association, who was involved in the rescue operation, said a baby's body also was recovered and three more people, including a child, were rescued.

The numbers of migrants attempting perilous sea crossings to Europe continue to climb despite the risks.