Boat capsizes off Turkish coast after high-speed chase, killing 18 migrants

Ankara, Türkiye — A rubber boat carrying migrants capsized in the Aegean Sea on Wednesday after a high-speed chase by the coast guard, killing 18 migrants, authorities said. At least 21 other migrants were rescued.

The Turkish Coast Guard Command said the boat carrying dozens of migrants ignored repeated warnings to stop and attempted to run away at high speed. The boat started taking on water in the rough seas and eventually capsized.

The drowning occurred near the coastal city of Bodrum, a popular Turkish holiday destination.

Rescuers pulled 21 survivors from the water and recovered 18 bodies with the help of a helicopter dispatched from the nearby city of Izmir, the coast guard said.

Rescue teams continue to search for possible remaining victims.

The nationality of the people on board the boat was not immediately known.

The island of Kos is located about 20 kilometres (13 mi) from Bodrum. Other nearby islands include Kalymnos, Leros and Symi.

Greece is one of the main entry points into the EU for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, many of whom make the short but often risky journey in small boats from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands. Many are unfit to go out to sea or venture out in bad weather, and fatal accidents are common.