In Kefken off near Kandira district of Kocaeli, the migrants' boat sank and the number of those who lost their lives rose to 21.

Yesterday at 01. 35, a request for assistance from a commercial ship has been made for a fishing boat which was carrying migrants irregularly, in distance 64 nautical miles north of Kefken,” said in the statement made by the Coast Guard.

As a result of the search and rescue operations, 40 victims were recovered to the right in the first phase, 21 lifeless bodies were taken from the sea.

Search for 9 to 11 irregular migrants who are assessed as missing continue. (ILKHA)