Turkey rescues 13 asylum seekers in Aegean Sea

AYDIN, Turkey

Turkey on Thursday rescued 13 asylum seekers, who were pushed back by Greek coastal authorities into Turkish waters off the Aegean coast.

In a statement, the Turkish Coast Guard said that teams were dispatched off the Kusadasi district of western Aydin province upon the notification that there was a group of stranded asylum seekers on a lifeboat.

After being rescued and routine checks, the asylum seekers -- Syrian and Lebanese nationals -- were sent to the provincial migration authority.

Turkey has been a key transit point for asylum seekers aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.