ANKARA, Turkey — At least 14 people have died after a migrant boat collided with a Turkish Coast Guard vessel during a maritime operation off Turkey’s coast, authorities said, in one of the latest tragedies involving migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings.

The collision occurred during the early hours as Turkish coast guard units were responding to reports of a migrant vessel traveling in crowded and unsafe conditions. According to officials, the small boat struck a patrol ship during the operation, causing several passengers to be thrown into the water.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and began a large-scale search operation. Survivors were pulled from the sea while divers and emergency crews worked to locate additional victims. Authorities confirmed that at least 14 people died in the incident, though the toll could rise as search efforts continue.

Many of those aboard the vessel were believed to be migrants attempting to reach Europe through irregular sea routes. Turkey sits along one of the main migration corridors connecting the Middle East,

Asia, and Africa to Europe, with thousands of people each year attempting the perilous journey by boat. Officials said several survivors were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, while others were taken into custody for identification and assistance. Turkish authorities have also launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Human rights groups have repeatedly warned about the dangers faced by migrants traveling on overcrowded and poorly equipped boats across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. Shipwrecks, collisions, and drowning have claimed thousands of lives over the past decade as people flee conflict, poverty, or instability.

Authorities say rescue and recovery operations are ongoing as investigators work to determine exactly how the crash occurred and whether additional victims remain missing. The tragedy has renewed concerns about migrant safety and the risks associated with irregular sea crossings.