Turkish Coast Guard rescues over 30 asylum seekers

The asylum seekers were trying to cross to Greece by a rubber boat but got stranded on the Gunes Island located off the coast of Ayvalik district in Turkey’s northwestern Balikesir Province, Anadolu Agency reported.

They were rescued and transferred to a local coast guard command, the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

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.