Istanbul, Jan 17 (NationPress) Three illegal migrants lost their lives and three others are currently unaccounted for after they fell from a rubber boat into the Aegean Sea near Turkey's Aydin province, as reported by local media on Friday.

NTV mentioned that the tragedy unfolded close to the coastal town of Kusadasi when the boat, which was transporting migrants, ignored a "stop" directive issued by the security forces.

While attempting to evade capture, several migrants plunged into the water. The Coast Guard managed to rescue 32 individuals and retrieved the bodies of three.

The report indicated that three individuals remain missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

Initial reports suggest that these migrants were attempting to illegally reach a Greek island, as per Xinhua news agency.

The Aegean Sea has historically served as a significant route for migrants seeking to enter Europe from Turkey.

Turkey currently stands as one of the leading nations hosting refugees, accommodating over four million migrants, primarily from Syria, according to the Presidential Directorate of Communications.

Since 2015, Greece has emerged as a critical entry point for irregular migration into the European Union, mainly from southern regions.

In the last decade, more than one million individuals have arrived on Greek shores, with most continuing their journey to various European nations.

Unfortunately, hundreds have perished while attempting this crossing.

Incidents involving migrants frequently occur along the shores of Greece, which remains a primary gateway for those fleeing poverty or conflict from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to enter the EU.

The majority of these journeys begin from the Turkish coastline.

Greek officials have noted a rise in undocumented migrant and refugee arrivals through the Aegean Sea and the land border with Turkey.

According to the Migration and Asylum Ministry, an average of over 200 arrivals are documented each day via the Aegean Sea.