Turkey rescues 6 asylum seekers

MUGLA, Turkey

The Turkish Coast Guard rescued at least six asylum seekers who were pushed back by Greek authorities into Turkish waters off the Aegean coast, officials said Thursday.

Acting on a tip that a life-boat was stranded off the coast of Datca in the Mugla province, the coast guard launched a rescue operation.

After routine checks, they were transferred to the provincial migration authority.

Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants wanting to reach Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

*Writing by Handan Kazanci