“168 irregular migrants and 2 suspected human traffickers were apprehended by the Coast Guard Boat (TCSG-902), which was commissioned upon receiving the notification that there were irregular migrants on the fishing boat bound for Italy off the town of Seferihisar in Izmir,” The Turkish Coast Guard said in a statement.

“The migrants were referred to the provincial migration offices and suspected human traffickers were arrested,” the statement added.

According to the official reports, the Turkish coast guard intercepted 21,473 irregular migrants in 2021, up from 19,368 in 2020. (ILKHA)