13 Syrian immigrants rescued in boat accident off Turkish coast

Source : Xinhua

ANKARA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 13 illegal Syrian immigrants were rescued Monday after their boat hit rocks off Turkey's coast of the Aegean Sea, local newspaper Today's Zaman reported.

Acting on a tip-off that a boat carrying illegal Syrian immigrants was heading for the Greek island of Rhodes, a team of the Turkey's Coast Guard began to follow the vessel.

The boat speeded up after the Syrians onboard found they were pursued, but it hit rocks and started to sink, according to the report, and the coast guards rescued the immigrants, including three children.

The Syrians were taken to local police station, waiting for being deported, said the report.