At least 21 migrants, including five children, perished on Friday when their rubber dinghy capsized in the northern Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey. The Turkish Coast Guard rescued two survivors, while two others managed to swim ashore in Eceabat, Canakkale province. The exact number of passengers on the ill-fated vessel is unknown, and the death toll may rise as search efforts continue. The migrants’ nationalities are also currently unknown.
Turkish authorities have deployed ten Coast Guard vessels, two helicopters, and numerous ambulances for the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Turkey serves as a common transit point for migrants from the Middle East and Africa seeking passage to Greece and other European destinations. Just this week, the Turkish Coast Guard intercepted 93 additional migrants attempting the dangerous sea crossing.
