At least 14 people have been killed after an inflatable boat carrying migrants or refugees collided with a Turkish coastguard vessel off the southwestern province of Antalya, according to a statement from the coastguard service.

The coastguard reported that the high-speed boat was detected early on Monday off the coast of the Finike district in Antalya. Despite repeated warnings to stop, the boat attempted to flee and subsequently crashed into a coastguard vessel. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting perilous sea crossings.

Rescue operations resulted in the saving of six migrants and one Turkish national, while 14 bodies were recovered. An additional 15 individuals continued in their boat until reaching land, where they were apprehended. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the collision and the circumstances surrounding it.

This tragedy underscores the persistent migration challenges along Turkey's coastline, which has become a major transit route for individuals seeking entry into the European Union. Such dangerous journeys frequently result in fatal accidents, raising concerns about regional migration policies and safety measures.

Source: www.aljazeera.com