Officials reported that a rubber boat carrying migrants capsized off the northern Aegean coast of Turkey on Friday, killing at least 22 people. The search and rescue operation includes two helicopters and ten Coast Guard boats.Two migrants were rescued from the sea by Turkish Coast Guard officials off the town of Eceabat in the province of Canakkale, according to Governor Ilhami Aktas, while the other two made it to land on their own.Intital reporting:Migrant boat sinks off Turkey, children among 16 dead, state media says https://t.co/cYmuQsVIgR pic.twitter.com/N9lHsUriXH— Reuters (@Reuters) March 15, 2024When the news first surfaced 16 people were reported to be dead. The number has now increased by 8. Coast Guard reveals informationIt was unclear how many people were on the boat when it sank, disclosed the Coast Guard who was still investigating the area. According to Aktas, who spoke with the state-run Anadolu Agency, four of the deceased were infants and children.Who were the migrantsThe nationality of the migrants was not immediately apparent.According to Anadolu, the search and rescue effort encompassed two helicopters and ten Coast Guard boats. At a nearby port, several ambulances were standing by.Migrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, frequently attempt to enter Greece via Turkey in search of a better life in European nations, despite a recent fall in their numbers. A small number of migrants who are leaving Turkey try to sail to Italy.Message to familiesThe migrants who were travelling to seek better opportunities and secure a livelihood unfortunately faced this incident. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of those who lost their lives during the accident.
