On June 25th, 2024, the Turkish Coast Guard undertook a significant humanitarian mission by rescuing 34 irregular migrants, including 10 children, off the coast of Ayvacık district. The operation was prompted by reports that these migrants had been pushed back into Turkish waters from Greece, underscoring the complexities and humanitarian concerns at the maritime border.
The rescue was initiated following actionable intelligence received by the Coast Guard, leading to the deployment of the TCSG-905 vessel. Despite challenging conditions at sea, all individuals were successfully retrieved and brought to safety.
After the rescue, the migrants were transferred to the Foreigners Repatriation Center in Ayvacık, where they received necessary procedures and humanitarian assistance. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced in managing migrant flows and maritime borders between Turkey and Greece, where incidents of pushbacks and subsequent rescues are unfortunately frequent.
The Turkish Coast Guard’s swift and comprehensive response exemplifies ongoing efforts to address humanitarian crises at sea while navigating complex international dynamics surrounding border security and migrant rights.