The number of people who died when a migrant boat sank off the coast of Samos has risen to 24, Greek authorities say.

Seven more bodies have been recovered off the island in the eastern Aegean Sea, the coastguard revealed according to Sky News on Thursday.

Nine children - four girls and five boys - are among the dead and eight men and one woman have also died.

Ten people were rescued.

A number of others are still missing and Greek ships and vessels from European border agency Frontex are still searching for survivors.

The sinking is the second in two days - another boat sank off the island of Kos on Wednesday, leaving seven people dead, including two children.

Greece is the main gateway into Europe for refugees and migrants.

Source: MENA