At least eight refugees die, 37 rescued after boat sinks off Turkey’s Izmir coast

At least eight refugees died and 37 were rescued when their boat sank off Badmeli near Izmir, according to Turkish officials.

Turkey’s Interior Ministry announced on Saturday that at least eight refugees died after a boat carrying them sank off the coast of Badmeli, near Izmir. The identities of the victims have not yet been confirmed.

The Turkish Coast Guard carried out a search and rescue operation, saving 37 people who were on board the vessel.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on his social media platform X account that coast guard command boats were dispatched immediately after authorities received reports of the refugee boat near Badmeli.

Boat crossings by refugees and migrants from Turkey to Europe have become increasingly dangerous, particularly in the Aegean Sea, where overcrowded and poorly equipped vessels are common.

Harsh weather conditions, combined with limited safety equipment and inexperienced crews, make these journeys highly risky, and tragic accidents have occurred regularly in recent years.

The Coast Guard reported that rough weather conditions were likely responsible for the sinking. Of the victims, only one body has been recovered so far.

Officials have emphasized the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in monitoring sea crossings, particularly during adverse weather and winter season.

The incident underscores the perilous journey many refugees face in search of safety and the urgent need for enhanced maritime safety measures.

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