08.05.2026 13:09
A migrant boat found half-submerged off the coast of Foça, Izmir, rescued 43 people, while the lifeless body of a 9-year-old boy was recovered. A migrant smuggler has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Off the coast of Izmir's Foça district, 43 irregular migrants were rescued from a semi-submerged boat, and the lifeless body of a 9-year-old boy was recovered. The suspected migrant smuggler, E.D. (39), was arrested.
The incident occurred on May 6, 2026, at 22:53. The Coast Guard teams were notified by the 112 Emergency Call Center that a rubber boat carrying a group of irregular migrants was in danger of sinking off the coast of Foça and was requesting assistance. Upon the report, a coast guard vessel, 4 coast guard boats, and a helicopter were dispatched to the area.
LIFELESS BODY OF A 9-YEAR-OLD BOY RECOVERED
Upon reaching the area, coast guard units rescued 39 irregular migrants found in the semi-submerged rubber boat and 4 irregular migrants struggling to stay alive on the sea surface, while the lifeless body of a 9-year-old boy was located. The suspected migrant smuggler, E.D., was also captured in connection with the incident.
ORGANIZER ARRESTED
The rescued irregular migrants were sent to the Izmir Provincial Migration Management Directorate after their interrogation and health checks. E.D., who was apprehended on suspicion of being the organizer, was arrested by the court after the procedures and sent to prison.