A distressing incident unfolded in the Aegean Sea, where three migrants tragically lost their lives after their rubber boat started sinking near Izmir on the western coast of Turkey. The Turkish Coast Guard reported that search efforts are ongoing to locate four missing illegal migrants. The area experienced a surge in migrant crossings, with many attempting to reach the European Union through common entry points such as Greece's Lesbos Island, which is situated about 30 km from where the incident occurred.

The search and rescue operation involves multiple ships and helicopters, highlighting the severe risks and dangers associated with migrant journeys across the Mediterranean Sea. The United Nations migration agency reported that at least 524 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean this year alone, underscoring the increasing peril faced by those undertaking such treacherous voyages.

Last year, the agency recorded 1,873 missing or deceased migrants attempting to navigate these perilous waters. These figures emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address the humanitarian crisis surrounding migration in the Mediterranean region, as well as the importance of ensuring safety for those seeking refuge in Europe.