18 drown in Aegean on way to Greece

ATHENS, Greece — At least 18 immigrants have drowned in the Aegean Sea while trying to reach Greece from Turkey, a spokesman for the Greek port authority said Saturday, adding that rescuers were seeking nine more people.

The corpses of 18 men were recovered off Lesvos, an island close to Turkey, early Saturday, the spokesman said, adding that a survivor picked up by Coast Guard officers Friday said that the boat they were in had sunk amid choppy waters. “He told his rescuers that 28 people had been on the boat, including women and children,” the spokesman said, adding that there were no details about the ethnic origins of the immigrants.

Dozens of illegal immigrants have died trying to cross into Greece from Turkey in recent years. The borders between the two countries are a key entry point for immigrants seeking a better life in Europe.

AP/SANG TAN Revelers gather Saturday at Trafalgar Square for a Santacon parade through the streets of London. The annual event features a mass gathering of sometimes-rowdy people dressed as Santa.