In Greece, 12 people died today when a boat loaded with asylum-seekers sank in the Ionian Sea. <br />'' <br />'' the Greek Coast Guard said that 12 bodies have been recovered so far and search and rescue operation is continuing. It said, that over 20 people had been found alive.<br />'' <br />'' The boat, with around 50 people on board, took on water near the island of Paxi during an apparent attempt to reach Italy.<br />'' <br />'' Thousands of migrants and refugees have died in recent years while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in small, overloaded boats.<br />''