On 19 March 2021 at 02.55 a.m., it was reported that there was a group of irregular migrants off the coast of İzmir’s Çeşme district. CG boat was dispatched to the scene and 2 irregular migrants were taken from the sea. As 1 of the irregular migrants was unconscious, he was transferred to Çeşme Port and delivered to 112 Emergency Service staff. It was learnt that the mentioned person died at the hospital.

3 additional CG boats, 1 CG helicopter and 1 CG Diving team were immediately dispatched to the scene at the same time. As a result of the SAR operations, 2 people were detected on Boğaz Island and rescued.  Dead bodies of 2 irregular migrants were taken on the surface of the sea.

In line with the statements of the irregular migrants, it was learnt that they were put in plastic handcuffs and beaten by Greek staff. Their possessions were seized. They were directly left to the sea without any lifeboat or inflatable boat. They were 7 people in total. SAR operations continued for the purpose of finding 1 missing person. On 21 March 2021 at 16.25, the missing migrant was detected as alive and rescued and delivered to 112 Emergensy Service Ambulance staff at Çeşme Port.

Legal investigation as regards the incident initiated by Çeşme Public Prosecution Office is still ongoing.