Migrants drown crossing from Turkey into Greece

(Vatican Radio)  At least 27 migrants and refugees from the Middle East are reported to have drowned Monday night while trying to cross from Turkey to the eastern Greek islands.

Listen to John Carr's report:

Turkish media showed images of bodies being washed ashore, including those of several children, in the coastal areas of Aivalik and Dikili. 

The victims were trying to make their way in a small plastic boat to the Greek island of Lesbos just a few kilometres away, when the craft is believed to have capsized in choppy seas.

Meanwhile, figures from the global entertainment industry have been coming to Greece to help raise awareness of the migrants’ plight.  British actress Vanessa Redgrave is scheduled to arrive in Athens this week.  American actress Susan Sarandon was in Lesbos last month on what was called a mercy mission to personally help refugees

And as the weather in Greece is expected to improve this week, with higher-than-usual temperatures – almost everyone expects a new surge in the wave of migrants.