Turkey rescues 6 asylum seekers

By Sebiha Arslan

MUGLA, Turkey (AA) - The Turkish Coast Guard rescued at least six asylum seekers who were pushed back by Greek authorities into Turkish waters off the Aegean coast, officials said Thursday.

Acting on a tip that a life-boat was stranded off the coast of Datca in the Mugla province, the coast guard launched a rescue operation.

After routine checks, they were transferred to the provincial migration authority.

Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants wanting to reach Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.