On 24 September 2022 at 11.05 a.m., upon receving information regarding that some irregular migrants were detected on the sea surface by a fishing vessel sailing 1.5 nautical mile (approximately 3 km) south off the coast of Çanakkale’s Ayvack district/Babakale and rescue activities were initiated, 3 CG boats and 1 CG helicopter were dispatched to the scene immediately.

A total of 15 irregular migrants (7 children and 8 adult) were rescued alive on the sea surface by the assigned CG boat and the mentioned fishing vessel and dead bodies of 6 irregular migrants (4 children and 2 adult) were found.

In line with the initial information received from the irregular migrants, it was learnt that they were intercepted by Greek Coast Guard in the vicinity of Mytilene Island, their inflatable boat was punctured by Greek Security Forces and they were pushed back at a point close to Turkish territorial waters and their boat sunk as it took in water.

SAR operations continue with 1 CG helicopter, 3 CG boats and 1 Drone for the purpose of finding the irregular migrant/migrants who are considered to be missing.

The investigation as regards the incident is still ongoing.