Turkish Coast Guard teams rescued more than 5,400 people and secured 114 vessels in the first eight months of 2025, according to official data.
The operations were carried out in response to emergencies including storms, mechanical failures, drownings, accidents and fires.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, authorities recovered the bodies of 108 people from Turkish waters.
The highest number of rescues occurred in January, when 1,285 people and five vessels were saved. In June, 763 people and 26 vessels were rescued, followed by 1,131 people and 25 vessels in July. August saw 889 rescues and 27 vessels secured, with 23 fatalities reported.
The Coast Guard’s performance has drawn attention in recent years. In 2020, teams rescued 12,655 people and 247 vessels, while 158 people died. In 2021, 19,812 people and 174 vessels were rescued, with 144 deaths. The number of rescues peaked in 2022 at 31,587, with 166 vessels secured and 157 fatalities.
In 2023, 24,826 people and 62 vessels were rescued, and 147 people died. Last year, 24,448 people and 158 vessels were saved, while 190 deaths were recorded.
Officials say rescue operations increase during summer months, when more citizens swim or travel by sea.