Seven people died, and 64 were saved when a boat ferrying refugees and migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan drowned in eastern Turkey’s Lake Van on Thursday.
The governor’s office in Bitlis province stated that the boat sank after overturning as it neared Adilcevaz district in Bitlis, which situated on the northern shores of Lake Van, the office said in a statement. The misfortune occurred at around 3 am (0000 GMT).
Lake Van is near the borders of Iran, from where migrants frequently pass into Turkey, travelling west towards Europe.
It is not yet specified why the migrants were on the boat in Lake Van, which is entirely within Turkey’s borders.
As per the official statements, five people were found dead while two died at the hospital whereas 64 people were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals.
Governer’s office said in their statement that emergency response groups and police divers are collectively conducting search operations.
Turkey which hosts the world’s largest refugee population with 3.7 million Syrians, repeatedly stated this year that it wants people to return or leave to the safe zones n Syria’s northeast.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hinted of further refugee waves if the intensity in Syria does not cease.