New development in the boat tragedy that killed 19 irregular migrants
Nineteen people lost their lives and 20 were rescued after a rubber boat carrying irregular migrants capsized due to poor weather conditions off the coast of Yalıkavak in Bodrum, Muğla. Following the incident, 16 suspects were apprehended in an operation targeting human smuggling and have been referred to the courthouse.
İHA
A tragedy occurred off the coast of Yalıkavak in the Bodrum district of Muğla on the morning of April 1, 2026, at approximately 06:00, when a rubber boat carrying irregular migrants capsized. It was determined that the boat, which was heading toward the Greek island of Leros, failed to comply with a "stop" order from the Coast Guard and sank while speeding despite adverse weather and sea conditions.
In the search and rescue operations launched in the area following the incident, 20 people, mostly of Afghan nationality, were rescued alive. Teams recovered the lifeless bodies of 19 individuals. It was reported that those rescued with injuries have been taken to hospitals for treatment.
MIGRANT ROUTE IDENTIFIED
Investigations revealed that the irregular migrants were brought to Bodrum from Denizli, Uşak, İzmir, Balıkesir, Amasya, and Kırıkkale by various vehicles on March 31. It was determined that the migrants reached the Dirmil region of Yalıkavak on foot on April 1 and were counted and boarded onto the boat by a masked individual.
OPERATION AGAINST SMUGGLING ORGANIZATION
In the investigation conducted under the coordination of the Bodrum Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was determined that some of the migrants had stayed in a house in the Gümbet neighborhood. The person who rented the house in question and two suspects who transported the migrants to the departure point were apprehended and taken into custody. In ongoing efforts, other suspects located in the area where the boat departed were also identified and apprehended.
A total of 16 suspects connected to the incident have been taken into custody as part of the investigation. The suspects were referred to the Bodrum Courthouse in the morning hours after the completion of their procedures at the police station.