The number of irregular migrants intercepted while attempting to reach Türkiye by sea has fallen significantly this year, with Coast Guard Command figures showing a 53% decline during the first eight months of 2026.
Authorities intercepted 5,984 irregular migrants in 256 maritime incidents between January and August 30, compared with 12,857 migrants involved in 494 incidents during the corresponding period of 2025.
The number of recorded incidents also declined by 48% year-on-year, reflecting intensified efforts by Turkish authorities to prevent unauthorised sea crossings and disrupt migrant-smuggling networks.
The longer-term figures point to a broader reduction in maritime irregular migration. In 2024, Turkish authorities recorded 2,011 incidents involving 55,726 migrants. The following year, 20,078 migrants were intercepted in 767 incidents.
August registered the highest monthly number of maritime interceptions so far this year, with 988 migrants apprehended. June followed with 942, while 902 migrants were intercepted in July.
Türkiye’s Coast Guard maintains continuous patrol and surveillance operations along the country’s coastline, using vessels and aircraft to detect boats carrying people attempting to make unauthorised crossings.
Despite the fall in interceptions, the journeys remain dangerous. Coast Guard data recorded 46 migrant deaths at sea through August 30. There were 44 deaths in 2024 and 59 in 2025.
Authorities have also targeted the criminal networks facilitating the crossings. Maritime operations resulted in the detention of 143 people suspected of migrant smuggling during the first eight months of 2026. By comparison, 484 suspected smugglers were detained in 2024 and 363 in 2025.
Efforts to stop irregular migration have increasingly extended beyond the coastline. Coast guard personnel have worked alongside police and gendarmerie units to intercept migrants before they reach departure points.
Through August 30, joint land operations had stopped 3,153 irregular migrants from reaching the sea across 141 operations. A total of 221 suspected migrant smugglers were also detained during those operations.
August again recorded the highest monthly figure for land interceptions, with 744 migrants stopped before reaching the coast.
Alongside enforcement operations, Turkish authorities continue to conduct search-and-rescue missions for people who encounter difficulties at sea. Coast Guard teams use boats, ships and aircraft to locate and assist people in distress.
The latest figures indicate that Türkiye’s intensified measures against irregular migration and smuggling are having a substantial impact on the number of people attempting sea crossings. However, the continued loss of life highlights the dangers associated with irregular maritime journeys.