Turkish coast guard intercepts multiple groups of irregular migrants off Aegean coast

Turkish authorities have intercepted several groups of irregular migrants attempting to cross the Aegean Sea over the past few days.

According to a statement from the Turkish Coast Guard Command, a Coast Guard Mobile Coastal Surveillance Vehicle detected a fibreglass-hulled rubber boat off the coast of Çeşme. A Coast Guard vessel dispatched to the area stopped the boat and apprehended 30 irregular migrants, including four children, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media. 

In a separate operation off the coast of Seferihisar, authorities received information about another rubber boat carrying irregular migrants. Coast Guard teams intercepted the moving boat, apprehending seven individuals, including two children. During a related operation on land conducted by the Doğanbey Gendarmerie Station, authorities apprehended an additional five irregular migrants.

Later, off the same district, a rubber boat was reported drifting due to engine failure. Coast Guard teams responded and rescued 24 migrants, including three children.

All rescued individuals were transferred to the Provincial Migration Directorate after completing necessary procedures. 

By Sabina Mammadli