24 illegal migrants drown in Aegean Sea

A total of 24 illegal migrants were found dead in the international waters of the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey after a speed boat carrying them capsized, Xinhua reported. 

Anatolia news agency first reported that 18 bodies in the sea were found by coast guard teams and then updated the number of dead to 24.

The illegal immigrants lost their lives Wednesday when a boat carrying them sank in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Ezine, a district in the northwestern province of Canakkale.

Initial reports said the immigrants were traveling to the island of Lesbos in Greece. Twelve others who were also on the boat during the accident were rescued alive.

The rescue operations are underway and accompanied by planes and helicopters belonging to the coast guards.