FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – At least five people died Thursday when a rubber boat carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Canakkale province in northwestern Türkiye, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.
The Coast Guard North Aegean Group Command was alerted to the incident near Ayvacik district.
Rescue teams saved 25 individuals, transferring them to hospitals in Balikesir and Canakkale provinces. Search efforts are ongoing for potential missing persons.
So far this year, 13 migrants have died in Türkiye’s waters, while 4,880 have been intercepted, and 101 individuals involved in human trafficking have been arrested, according to Coast Guard Command statistics.
The Aegean Sea remains a key route for migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Türkiye, which hosts over 4 million refugees—primarily Syrians—continues to face significant migration challenges, the Presidential Directorate of Communications said.