At least 11 migrants have died and five others are missing after boats carrying them to the Greek island of Kos capsized, according to reports.

The Dogan news agency said a boat carrying 16 people drowned in international waters after leaving from the Turkish resort of Bodrum. Seven of them drowned while four were rescued.

Hours later, a second boat carrying six migrants sank off the coast of Bodrum. A woman and three children drowned while two migrants in life vests made it to shore half-unconscious, the report said.

The route between Bodrum and Kos is one of the shortest from Turkey to the Greek islands. Thousands of migrants are attempting the perilous sea crossing despite the risks.