Seven children, 15 others drown off Turkey’s northwest

A total of 22 people have reportedly drowned off Turkey’s northwest province of Canakkale.

The victims comprised seven children and 15 others.

Aegean Boat Report disclosed this on its X social media handle.

It said: “Yet another tragedy in the Aegean Sea, at least 22 drowned, 7 of them small children. At least 22 people drowned, including seven children, when a rubber boat carrying refugees sank off Turkey’s northwest province of Canakkale, the local governor’s office said on Friday, adding that search and rescue efforts continued.

“Canakkale Governor Ilhami Aktas told that four refugees were rescued and admitted to hospital early on Friday, while search and rescue operations continued, involving ten coastguard boats, 2 helicopters, marine police, Turkey’s Disaster Management Authority (AFAD) and National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE). According to Turkish authorities, It’s not clear how many people were on the boat.

“Information on the nationalities of the rescued and drowned has so far not been revealed. Our condolences go to those who again have lost loved ones, family and friends, to this wet grave, we all know this could easily have been avoided.”