Seven migrants tragically lost their lives after their inflatable boat capsized in the Aegean Sea off Turkey’s western coast, according to the Turkish Coast Guard.
A group of 40 migrants boarded the vessel near the Turkish resort town of Kuşadası on Thursday evening.
The town lies about 15 kilometers from the Greek island of Samos, a frequent destination for migrants attempting to reach the European Union.
The fatalities occurred when several individuals fell into the sea during a Coast Guard intervention to intercept the boat.
Rescuers quickly recovered three bodies, while four others were found on Friday. In total, 18 adults and 13 minors were rescued, and the search operation has now concluded, the Coast Guard confirmed in an official statement.
Incidents like these highlight the perilous nature of migration routes between Turkey and nearby Greek islands such as Rhodes, Lesbos, and Samos, which serve as key entry points into the EU.
The International Organization for Migration reports that 2,333 migrants lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea during 2024 alone.
The Aegean remains one of the most dangerous routes for those fleeing conflict, poverty, and instability in search of safety and opportunity.