“It was reported that an inflatable boat was being drifted due to engine breakdown and irregular migrants on the boat called for help off the coast of Muğla’s Marmaris district. 13 irregular migrants on the inflatable boat were rescued by CG boats.,” the statement said.

Historically, Turkey has been a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants and was a crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Recent regional events have contributed to Turkey increasingly becoming a major destination and transit country for those fleeing conflict, poverty, and disasters.

Turkey hosts one of the largest migrant and refugee populations in the world. 

According to the official reports, 113,865 irregular migrants held across the country in 2020. (ILKHA)