8 migrants dead off Turkish shores after Greek pushback

A boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Eceabat in Türkiye's Canakkale, leading to the tragic loss of eight lives, including two infants, local authorities confirmed. The Canakkale Governor Ilhami Aktas, announced that search and rescue operations commenced immediately following the incident, as teams rushed to the scene.

The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Turkish nongovernmental organization Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) have joined forces in the effort. AKUT stated on its social media that it has deployed its Canakkale team to assist in the search for the missing refugees.

According to the Canakkale Governor's office, the boat overturned 8 miles off the coast of Eceabat, leading to a swift response from multiple agencies. While two migrants managed to survive on their own, another two were rescued by the coast guard teams. The recovery of eight bodies marks a somber moment for the region, highlighting the perilous journey faced by migrants attempting to cross into Europe.

The governor's office added that the Coast Guard Command, among other institutions, continues its search and rescue operations, emphasizing the collective effort to respond to this tragedy.

Türkiye rescues nearly 26,000 migrants in Aegean

Greece says it needs to protect its borders, which are also those of the EU, from mass illegal immigration. With the help of the  European Union's border protection agency Frontex it has stepped up patrols in the Aegean Sea.

The Turkish Coast Guard Command rescued 25,889 irregular migrants pushed back Greece in the Aegean Sea in 2023 alone, according to data from the agency.

It said the highest number of pushbacks – some 11,715 migrants – occurred off the coast of western Izmir province, which has a meandering coast stretching over 460 kilometers (286 miles) and close to the Greek islands. Izmir was followed by other western provinces, Mugla, Canakkale, Aydin and Balikesir.

Source: Newsroom