Turkish Coast Guard rescues 67 asylum seekers

MUGLA, Turkey

The Turkish Coast Guard on Saturday rescued 67 asylum seekers, including those who had been pushed back by Greek coastal authorities into Turkish waters off the Aegean coast, according to security sources.

The coast guard in Gocek town of southwestern Mugla province stopped the 18-meter sailboat off the Gulf of Fethiye. A total of 67 people, including women and children, were brought to the shore on the coast guard boat.

They were later transferred to the provincial migration office.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The country earlier this year opened its gates to irregular migrants seeking to cross to Europe, accusing the EU of failing to keep its promises under a 2016 migrant deal.

Turkey hosts nearly 4 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world.

*Writing by Havva Kara Aydin