“Between September 25 and October 1, a total of 214 migrants were rescued and 3 migrant smuggling suspects were apprehended in 7 incidents,” the statement said. 

They were rescued off coast of western Turkey in the Aegean Sea.

Turkey has traditionally been a major transit port for irregular immigrants to enter the European countries.

According to the official reports, 454,662 irregular migrants held across the country in 2019. (ILKHA)