Migrant boat capsizes in the Aegean Sea, 19 dead
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- A boat carrying Afghan migrants capsized in the Aegean Sea near Bodrum, Turkey, while trying to evade the coastguard, resulting in 19 deaths, including a baby.
- The Turkish Coast Guard reported that the boat ignored warnings to stop and fled at high speed before taking on water and capsizing in rough seas.
- Rescue teams, supported by a helicopter, saved at least 20 migrants and recovered 18 bodies, with one survivor later dying in hospital; the search continues for at least one missing person.
- All migrants were from Afghanistan, and the incident occurred near popular tourist areas and close to Greek islands such as Kos, a common entry point into the EU for refugees.
- The journey from Turkey to Greek islands is frequently dangerous, with many migrants traveling in unseaworthy boats and facing hazardous conditions, leading to frequent fatal accidents.
