At least 14 migrants have died after a boat carrying them collided with a coast guard vessel during a chase off the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, authorities said.
The incident occurred Monday near Demre in Antalya Province, when a boat transporting migrants reportedly from Afghanistan refused orders to stop and attempted to flee at high speed.
According to Antalya Governor Hulusi Sahin, the migrant vessel carried out dangerous manoeuvres while trying to escape pursuing coast guard boats.
During the chase, the vessel collided with a coast guard craft, leading to the deadly accident.
Rescue teams managed to pull seven people from the sea and provided them with immediate medical treatment.
Meanwhile, 14 other migrants who managed to reach the shore were detained by security forces.
Search-and-rescue operations involving land, sea and air units were still underway to locate any additional survivors or victims who may be missing.
Authorities have launched both judicial and administrative investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings in hopes of reaching safer destinations.
