Turkish Coast Guard teams saved 20 irregular migrants, including three children, from a stranded rubber boat off the coast of Bodrum in Muğla province.

The vessel, crippled by engine failure, was left adrift in the Aegean Sea, prompting a distress call that triggered the swift response.

Coast Guard units located the boat and safely transferred all 20 passengers, who were found in distress, to a rescue vessel. The group underwent medical evaluations and identification checks before being handed over to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management for further processing.

Authorities have not yet released the nationalities of the migrants. An investigation into the incident is underway to determine the details of their attempted crossing.

The rescue underscores Turkey’s ongoing efforts to curb irregular migration across the Aegean, a key route for those seeking to reach Europe. (ILKHA)