Two rescue boats, a helicopter, and a special diving unit were sent to the area after coast guard received reports of a sinking boat reportedly was carrying migrants trying to reach Greece islands.

"As a result of the search and rescue activities, 31 irregular migrants were rescued from the sea and the lifeless body of 12 irregular migrants was removed from the submerged boat, which is about 32 meters deep from the sea," said Turkish Coast Guard in a statement.

The statement added that search and rescue operations have been launched to locate any additional survivors or casualties.

Turkey has been the main route for refugees trying to cross to Europe, especially since 2011, the beginning of the Syrian civil war.

At least 268,000 irregular migrants were held in Turkey in 2018, according to the Interior Ministry.

Between January and June this year, 555 migrants died attempting to cross the Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration. (ILKHA)