Interior Minister Yerlikaya Reports 19 Migrants Rescued, 7 Found Dead in İzmir’s Çeşme Incident
The Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, has provided an update on the tragic incident that occurred in the Çeşme district of İzmir. Speaking on the matter, Minister Yerlikaya stated, “19 Irregular Migrants Rescued, Unfortunately, 7 Irregular Migrants Found Dead.”
Search and Rescue Operation
The incident began when authorities received a report about a group of irregular migrants on Karaada, Çeşme. At 10:47 AM, the following units were dispatched to the area:
4 Coast Guard Boats,
1 Coast Guard Helicopter, and
1 Coast Guard Diving Team.
Thanks to the extensive efforts of the Coast Guard, 18 irregular migrants were rescued from the island and an additional migrant was saved from a fishing boat, totaling 19 rescued irregular migrants. Unfortunately, the lifeless bodies of 7 irregular migrants were recovered. Minister Yerlikaya expressed his condolences, stating, “We offer our prayers for the migrants who lost their lives,” and emphasized that search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate another missing migrant.
Minister Yerlikaya further stated, “We will continue our unyielding fight against human traffickers who, by exploiting hope, cause the deaths of babies, children, and innocent people.”
He also extended his thanks to the Coast Guard teams involved in the rescue operation, saying, “May God protect you.”