ATHENS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Eleven migrants and refugees, including five children, have drowned in the Aegean Sea early Wednesday and at least a dozen went missing after a wooden boat sank off the coast of Farmakonissi island, the Greek Coast Guard said.

The 26 survivors told Greek authorities that there were more than 50 people on board the boat when they started their trip from Turkey's coasts.

More than 3,500 people have perished in the Mediterranean Sea so far this year when they tried to cross to Europe seeking refuge from war-torn countries.

Over 650,000 people have landed safely on Greek shores with most continuing their journey to other more prosperous European countries.