ISTANBUL, April 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 18 illegal migrants died, and 21 others were rescued on Wednesday after a rubber boat carrying illegal migrants sank off the coast of Türkiye's southwestern province of Mugla, the Turkish Coast Guard said.
According to the NTV broadcaster, the vessel capsized around 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) off the popular resort in Bodrum district. Upon receiving the distress call, the Turkish Coast Guard dispatched multiple boats and aircraft to the scene to initiate emergency protocols.
The rubber boat sped away despite multiple visual and audible warnings from a responding Coast Guard vessel. Ignoring orders to stop, it eventually took on water and sank in heavy seas and adverse weather conditions, the Coast Guard said.
Comprehensive search and rescue efforts are currently ongoing both by sea and air, as authorities continue to scan the area for any potential missing persons. The destination of the migrants was not immediately clear.
Türkiye's geographical position between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it a key transit route for migrants aiming to reach Europe, many attempting the perilous journey across the Aegean Sea to nearby Greek islands in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats run by smugglers. ■
