Turkish coast guard rescues over 200 migrants, including 70 children, in Aegean Sea operations

According to Turkish media reports, Coast Guard Command teams responded to intelligence about stranded migrants and two disabled boats at sea near Izmir's coastline.

The rescue mission of migrants. (Photo: IHA)
The rescue mission of migrants. (Photo: IHA)

Nov. 28, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Turkish Coast Guard conducted successful rescue operations off the coast of Izmir province, saving more than 200 migrants from drowning, including over 70 children.

According to Turkish media reports, Coast Guard Command teams responded to intelligence about stranded migrants and two disabled boats at sea near Izmir's coastline.

The rescue operations resulted in saving more than 200 migrants from potentially fatal circumstances.

The Turkish Coast Guard report detailed two separate operations. In the first mission, authorities rescued 110 migrants, including 47 children, from a disabled plastic vessel.

The second operation, conducted off the Karaburun district coastline in Izmir province, saved an additional 99 migrants, including 26 children.

While the identities of the rescued migrants were not disclosed, the Turkish Coast Guard stated, "Following their rescue, all migrants were transferred to the Izmir Provincial Immigration Administration for legal processing, as they had intended to illegally cross into Greece and other European countries."

Turkey's Aegean coast has long been a critical transit point for migrants attempting to reach European Union countries. The route from Turkey to Greece remains one of the main pathways for irregular migration into Europe, despite increased surveillance and border control measures.

The Turkish Coast Guard regularly conducts rescue operations in these waters, as smugglers often use unsafe vessels and dangerous routes for these crossings.