A tragic incident occurred off Turkey's northern Aegean coast on Friday when a rubber dinghy carrying migrants sank, resulting in the loss of at least 22 lives. The Turkish coast guard was able to rescue two migrants from the sea near the town of Eceabat in Canakkale province, while two others managed to reach the shore and alert authorities.
The exact number of individuals on the boat at the time of the sinking remains unclear, prompting ongoing search efforts by the coast guard in the area. Governor Ilhami Aktas revealed that among the deceased, seven were infants or children, highlighting the devastating toll of the incident.
The nationalities of the migrants involved have not yet been determined. Reports indicate that they were attempting to reach the Greek island of Samothraki, underscoring the risks and challenges faced by those seeking refuge or better opportunities in European countries.
A comprehensive search and rescue operation was swiftly mobilized, involving eighteen rescue boats, a plane, two helicopters, and a drone. Ambulances were stationed at a nearby port to provide immediate medical assistance as needed.
While the number of migrants attempting such perilous journeys has decreased in recent years, individuals primarily from the Middle East and Africa continue to embark on dangerous sea crossings from Turkey to countries like Greece and Italy.
This week alone, the Turkish coast guard intercepted at least 93 migrants trying to depart from the Turkish coast on boats, underscoring the ongoing challenges and risks associated with irregular migration across the region.
