At least 14 people have died after a boat carrying migrants collided with a coast guard vessel off the coast of southwestern Türkiye, authorities said.
According to the Turkish Coast Guard, the incident occurred early Monday near the Finike district in Antalya Province. Officials reported that the migrants were traveling in a high-speed inflatable boat when it was detected by patrol units.
The coast guard said officers repeatedly warned the vessel to stop, but the boat attempted to flee at high speed. During the pursuit, the inflatable boat crashed into a coast guard vessel, leading to the deadly accident.
Authorities said at least 14 people were found dead following the collision. Rescue teams managed to save six migrants and one Turkish national who were on board the vessel.
Officials also reported that 15 other individuals managed to continue traveling by boat after the crash and eventually reached land, where they were later detained by authorities.
The waters around Antalya are part of migration routes used by people attempting to reach Europe by sea. Migrants and refugees often travel in overcrowded and fragile boats, making the journeys extremely dangerous.
The incident highlights the continued risks faced by migrants attempting sea crossings in the Mediterranean region, where thousands of people have died in recent years while trying to reach safer destinations in Europe.