Türkiye saves 19 irregular migrants in Aegean Sea rescue operations

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 19 irregular migrants were rescued and the bodies of seven others were recovered in response to a report of possible irregular migrants in the sea off the coast of the Cesme district in Izmir.

Yerlikaya stated on his social media account that there had been a report of a group of irregular migrants on Karaada Island in Cesme.

One irregular migrant was rescued from the sea by a fishing boat, with the possibility of others still in distress.

Upon receiving the report, Yerlikaya mentioned a Coast Guard helicopter, diving teams and four Coast Guard boats were dispatched to the area.

“As a result of search and rescue operations conducted by Coast Guard units, a total of 19 irregular migrants, 18 from the island and one from the fishing boat in the area, were rescued in good health. Unfortunately, the bodies of seven irregular migrants have also been recovered,” he added.