IZMIR, Turkey

Sixty-three irregular migrants pushed back into Turkish territorial waters by Greek authorities were rescued off Cesme district in Turkey’s Izmir province, authorities said Monday. 

After receiving information that there was a group of irregular migrants in three lifeboats off the coast of Cesme, Turkish Coast Guard units rescued everyone on board.

Meanwhile, 38 others were held by security authorities for attempting to cross into Europe. They were referred to the local migration office.

Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

Turkey, which already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any country in the world, is taking new security measures on its borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas