Turkish authorities rescue irregular migrants in Türkiye’s Izmir, Edirne

Turkish Coast Guard teams rescued 133 irregular migrants off the coast of Izmir and apprehended another 73 in separate incidents.

Meanwhile, in Edirne, security forces detained 21 migrants who had entered the country illegally.

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Why it matters

These events highlight the ongoing challenge of irregular migration in Türkiye, where migrants frequently attempt sea and land routes.

The Coast Guard and other security forces remain vigilant, often rescuing stranded individuals while detaining those entering or attempting to transit illegally.

Details

• Izmir rescues:
  • Off the coast of Urla, Seferihisar, and Cesme, 83 migrants—15 of them children—were pushed back by Greek authorities into Turkish waters and subsequently rescued by Turkish teams.
  • Another 50 migrants, including 20 children, were found in drifting rubber boats off Dikili and Cesme because of motor malfunctions.
• Apprehensions at sea:
  • In Urla and Dikili, Coast Guard vessels intercepted a fiber boat and a rubber dinghy carrying 73 migrants, including 33 children.
  • All were taken ashore for processing by the local migration authorities.
• Edirne detentions:
  • Security forces detained 21 migrants from Pakistan and Afghanistan who entered the country illegally. They were handed over to the Provincial Migration Office.

Zoom in

• Greek authorities’ alleged practice of pushing migrants back into Turkish waters continues to strain relations and prompt international concern.
• Motor failures at sea underscore how perilous these journeys can be, as migrants often rely on substandard equipment.

Zoom out

Türkiye remains a key transit point for migrants trying to reach Europe. The latest incidents reveal both the scale of the challenge and the continuous efforts by Turkish authorities to manage the situation—through search and rescue missions as well as detentions and deportations.