MUGLA, Turkey
At least seven people have drowned after a boat carrying illegal migrants to the Greek islands sank in the Aegean Sea on Monday, Turkish officials said.
Amir Cicek, governor of the Turkish southwestern province of Mugla, told The Anadolu Agency earlier in the day that six people had drowned and nine others were rescued.
The migrant boat was heading to Greece’s Kos Island when it capsized off the Datca Gulf in Mugla, the governor added.
The death toll increased to seven after another body was found in the sea. Authorities said those who drowned were Iraqi and Syrian nationals.
According to initial reports, there were around 20 people on board. Those who drowned lost their lives even though they were wearing life jackets.
The coast guard is continuing search and rescue operations with two helicopters, two ships and one boat.
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