Turkish Coast Guard rescues 56 migrants in Aegean Sea
The Turkish Coast Guard rescued 56 irregular migrants in two separate operations off the coast of Ayvacık district in Çanakkale province.
In the first incident, Coast Guard Boat 'TCSG-28' responded to reports of a drifting rubber boat with engine failure. The boat was carrying 24 migrants, including 7 children. All migrants were safely rescued.
The second rescue involved 32 migrants, including 17 children, found on a life raft. Turkish authorities allege these migrants were pushed back into Turkish waters by Greece and left in distress.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the Aegean Sea regarding irregular migration. Turkey accuses Greece of violating international refugee and migrant rights through pushback practices.
Both groups of rescued migrants were transferred to the Foreigners Repatriation Centre in Ayvacık after completing formalities. (ILKHA)