ATHENS, Greece (AP) — At least 45 people, including 17 children, drowned Friday in the Aegean Sea as two smuggling boats sunk off different Greek islands. A search-and-rescue operation was underway for others feared trapped in the wreckage.

The Greek coast guard and other boats saved more than 70 people from the sunken vessels.

The new drownings follow hundreds over the past year as Europe faces its worst immigration crisis since the end of World War II.