The migrants were found on a rubber boat off the coast of Balıkesir province.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands have attempted to cross the Aegean Sea to reach northern and western Europe for a better life, with many losing their lives in the process.

The Turkish Coast Guard has rescued thousands of people, but many boats carrying refugees have still sunk or capsized.

Türkiye and Greece serve as crucial transit points for migrants fleeing war and persecution and seeking to start anew in Europe.

In 2022, the Turkish coast guard intercepted a significantly higher number of irregular migrants, with 285,027 intercepted compared to 162,000 in 2021. (ILKHA)