55 irregular migrants held on ship in Aegean Sea
Syrians, Angolans, Senegalese, Congolese, Somalis and Gambian among the irregular migrants attempting to cross Greek island
![55 irregular migrants held on ship in Aegean Sea](https://cdnuploads.aa.com.tr/uploads/Contents/2018/01/03/thumbs_b_c_dbce59d44ceae718f2573733c9d71833.jpg?v=072931)
By Candogan Parlatan
IZMIR, Turkey
The Turkish Coast Guard apprehended 55 irregular migrants on a boat in waters between Turkey and Greek islands Tuesday, said a security official.
In Dikili, a district of Izmir province, the migrants were held while trying to pass the Greek island of Lesbos in a dinghy, the official said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.
The boat was first intercepted by a Turkish air unit patrolling over the Aegean Sea and stopped by the coast guard, the official said.
Thirty-six Syrians, six Angolans, five Senegalese, four Congolese, three Somalis and a Gambian were later taken to the provincial migration authority.
Turkey has been a main route for refugees trying to cross into Europe since the beginning of the civil war in Syria.
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