Deceased bodies of 6 more refugees recovered from Lake Van

* Photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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Amid search and rescue operations for refugees who were in the boat that sank in Lake Van in eastern Turkey, the deceased bodies of six more refugees were recovered from the water today (July 10).

After setting off from Altınsaç Neighborhood in Gevaş district of Van on July 27, the boat reportedly sank in Lake Van. While the boat was first missing, the Governor's Office of Van made a statement on July 8 and announced that it was finally located at a 106.5-meter depth.

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), gendarmerie, Underwater Search and Rescue (SAK), Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK), Security Directorate, Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), National Medical Rescue (UMKE) and health teams are still looking for the missing refugees off the shores of Çarpanak Island.

As the dead bodies of six more people, considered to be foreign nationals, have been found in these search and rescue efforts ongoing on the surface and shores of Lake Van, the total death toll has increased to 19.

What happened?

After setting off from Altınsaç Neighborhood in Gevaş district of Van on July 27, a boat with refugees on board reportedly got missing.

It was first alleged that the boat of Medeni Akbaş and Servet Akbaş, two fishers and also relatives who were allegedly carrying over 100 refugees, sank in Lake Van in eastern Turkey. As the fate and whereabouts of the two fishers were unknown, the head of Altınsaç Village as well as police and gendarmerie forces were informed about the incident.

Medeni Akbaş, who managed to get out of the capsized boat alive, reached Çitören Neighborhood in Tuşba and called his family. Upon the deposition of Akbaş, who was detained by the gendarmerie, a search and rescue operation has started in the area where the boat sank.

In a statement released by the Van Governor's Office on July 8, it was indicated that the boat was located at a 106.5-meter depth off the shores of Çarpanak. While five people have been arrested in relation with this incident, 70-80 refugees are estimated to have been on board. (RT/SD)