At least 18 migrants dead after boat sinks off Türkiye coast

At least 18 illegal migrants have died, and 21 others were rescued after a rubber boat sank off the coast of southwestern Türkiye on Wednesday, April 1, according to the Turkish Coast Guard, cited by foreign media.

The incident occurred off the coast of the Bodrum district in Mugla Province, a popular resort area, when the vessel capsized at around 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT).

Following a distress call, the Turkish Coast Guard deployed multiple boats and aircraft to the scene, launching emergency response operations.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing both at sea and in the air as authorities continue to scan the area for any additional missing persons. The intended destination of the migrants has not yet been determined.

By Tamilla Hasanova