Migrant Boat Sinks in Turkey’s Aegean Sea, 14 Dead, Many Missing, Over 200 Incidents This Year

 Turkey : The migrant boat had set off from Bodrum, a popular tourist city. Eighteen migrants were on board, including women and children. Just ten minutes after departure, water began to fill the boat. Passengers screamed for help in panic. Within moments, the vessel started sinking. Fourteen migrants drowned in the sea. The atmosphere turned into chaos and grief.

Rescue teams rushed immediately

Turkish coast guard and rescue teams rushed to the site. Divers and four coast guard boats joined the operation. A helicopter was also deployed for search. Two migrants were rescued alive. The operation to find the missing continues.

Among the dead was an Afghan national. Two migrants managed to survive. One man swam for nearly six hours to reach shore. Another was found on a nearby island. Their survival is seen as miraculous.

Search for missing migrants

Two migrants are still missing. Divers continue to search the depths of the sea. Coast guard vessels are circling the waters. Families of victims mourn onshore. Crowds have gathered at the coastline.

Past tragedy remembered again

This is not the first incident. On November 17, 2023, another deadly boat accident occurred in the Aegean Sea. Around 50 people were on board. Many drowned at that time too. Turkey still remembers that dark day.

According to the UNHCR, more than 200 boats have sunk in the region in 2025 alone. Over 500 migrants have lost their lives. Strict border policies push migrants to use small rubber boats. These fragile boats overturn even in light waves. The situation has become a humanitarian crisis.

Global concern rises sharply

The international community has expressed deep sorrow. UNHCR urged Turkey and Greece to increase cooperation. Migrant safety remains a serious question. For many families, the dream of Europe ends in death. The sinking boats are now a tragic symbol of human suffering.