At least 14 people drowned when a rubber boat carrying migrants sank off Turkiye’s Mugla province on Friday. Authorities launched a search and rescue operation immediately. An Afghan survivor reached the mainland and raised the alarm around 1:00 a.m. Another survivor swam to Celebi Island near Bodrum, confirming the disaster.
The Afghan survivor said 18 people had set out on the boat, but it quickly took on water and sank. Rescue teams recovered 14 bodies from the sea. Officials are still looking for any remaining missing migrants. The exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation.
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Search operations continue with four coast guard boats, a diving team, and a helicopter. Authorities aim to locate any survivors or missing individuals. Safety warnings for migrants crossing the Aegean Sea have increased in recent years. The sea is a risky but common route to Europe.
Turkiye hosts millions of refugees, mainly from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Thousands attempt irregular crossings each year despite the risks. These routes often result in deadly accidents like this one. Rescue teams work around the clock to save lives during such emergencies.
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According to the Presidency of Migration Management, irregular migrant arrivals peaked in 2019 at nearly 455,000. This year, authorities have apprehended over 122,000 migrants by mid-October. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers migrants face while seeking safety and better opportunities in Europe.