ISTANBUL - At least 18 illegal migrants died, and 21 others were rescued on Wednesday after a rubber boat carrying illegal migrants sank off the coast of Türkiye's southwestern province of Mugla, according to the Turkish Coast Guard.

According to the NTV broadcaster, the vessel capsized around 6:00 am local time (0300 GMT) off the popular resort in Bodrum district. Upon receiving the distress call, the Turkish Coast Guard dispatched multiple boats and aircraft to the scene to initiate emergency protocols.

Comprehensive search and rescue efforts are currently ongoing both by sea and air, as authorities continue to scan the area for any potential missing persons. The destination of the migrants was not immediately clear.