The incident unfolded off the coasts of Aydın, İzmir, and Muğla, prompting an immediate response from the authorities.

Upon receiving intelligence about rubber boats carrying irregular migrants, the Coast Guard Command swiftly dispatched teams to the region. Their mission: to save lives and prevent further tragedy on the high seas.

The Coast Guard teams successfully rescued 66 individuals who were stranded at sea. Among them were 10 children, their futures hanging in the balance.

These migrants had faced the harsh reality of being pushed back by Greek forces, leaving them vulnerable and desperate.

Simultaneously, in all three provinces—Aydın, İzmir, and Muğla—a total of 93 irregular migrants were captured in rubber boats. Nineteen of them were children.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those seeking refuge and a better life, often risking perilous journeys across treacherous waters.

During the rescue operations, authorities apprehended one suspected migrant smuggler. The individual is now in custody, facing legal consequences for their role in this dangerous enterprise.

After the successful rescue, the irregular migrants were transferred to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. There, they will undergo necessary procedures and assessments.

The Aegean Sea remains a focal point for migration, with human lives caught in the crosscurrents of geopolitics and desperation. The actions of the Turkish Coast Guard serve as a reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for international cooperation to address it. (ILKHA)