3 dead, 4 missing as migrant boat sinks in Aegean

AFP/APP

Istanbul: At least three people died and four others were reported missing after a migrant boat sank in the Aegean Sea on Thursday, the Turkish coastguard said.

The inflatable rubber boat began taking on water off the coast near the western resort city of Izmir, prompting an emergency response. A total of 38 people were rescued, according to a coastguard statement.

The incident occurred off the coast of Foca, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Greek island of Lesbos — a common crossing point for migrants attempting to reach the European Union.

“Search operations are ongoing to locate the four irregular migrants who remain missing,” the coastguard said, adding that several vessels and helicopters had been deployed for the rescue effort.