The coastguard reported that at least 18 people were killed after an inflatable boat carrying migrants sank near the western province of Mugla in Turkey on Wednesday. It added that search and recovery efforts continue in the area.

The coastguard reported that the boat with an outboard motor was detected at 3:00 GMT, off the coast of Mugla’s Bodrum district. It also said that the boat tried to flee, despite repeated warnings not to do so.

It was reported that the boat sank after taking on water because of adverse sea and weather conditions in the area.

The coastguard reported that a helicopter and three boats had been dispatched for search and recovery operations. They added that they have rescued 21 individuals so far.

The statement didn't?say from where the boat departed or?where its direction was.

The Aegean is a popular transit?route used by thousands of migrants trying to cross into Europe from North Africa, the Middle East, and especially Turkey, which has millions of refugees from Syria and Iraq.

(source: Reuters)