Turkish coast guard rescues 192 migrants near Greece

Turkish coast guards rescued 192 migrants from Syria and Afghanistan deserted on an island en route to Greece in the Aegean Sea, local BGN news reported Thursday.

The 192 migrants, including 35 children and 48 women from Syria, Afghanistan and Myanmar, were taken to the foreigner's bureau in Turkey's southwestern Mugla province for proceedings.

Some migrants stated they embarked with five speed boats from Mugla's Bodrum district at 11:00 pm Wednesday in an effort to reach the Greek island of Kos and enter Europe.

However, they were left stranded for hours on the Aegean sea after they were confronted by the Greek Coast guard, warning them to return.

It is reported that fishermen noticed the migrants near Çatal Island at 10:00 am local time Thursday, and alerted coastguard officials who later sent troops to rescue the migrants.

The migrants reportedly paid 1200 U.S. dollars to the traffickers. Police are still investigating the identities of the smugglers and attempting to track them down.

According to a recent statement on Turkey's Foreign Ministry website, Turkey is on a major migration route with ever-increasing numbers of illegal immigrants from its economically and politically unstable East trying to cross into its territory and enter Europe.

"Given the magnitude of the problem, solutions are beyond the means of a single country, requiring international responsibility sharing. Providing shelter, food, medical treatment as well as bearing the return costs of such high numbers of illegal immigrants places a heavy financial burden on Turkey's already strained resources" the statement added. Endit