At least 18 people were killed when an inflatable boat carrying migrants sank off Turkey's western province of Mugla on Wednesday, the coastguard said in a statement, adding that search and rescue efforts continued in the area.
The coastguard said the boat, with an outboard motor, was detected at 03:00 GMT off the coast of Mugla's Bodrum district, and that it tried to flee despite repeated warnings to stop.
The boat later took in water due to adverse weather and sea conditions in the area and sank, it added.
A coastguard helicopter and three boats were dispatched to the area for search and rescue operations, the coastguard said, adding that they had rescued 21 people so far.
The statement did not say where the boat had departed from or where it was heading.
The Aegean Sea is a frequent transit route for thousands of migrants attempting to cross from North Africa and the Middle East into Europe, particularly from Turkey, which hosts millions of refugees from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Trump says US will hit Iran 'very hard', take control of energy infrastructure
US confirms third strike on Indian-crewed tankers this week
US and Iran trade attacks for a second day, undermining shaky ceasefire
UK defence minister Healey quits, says PM Starmer's plans fail to keep country safe
Bahrain says debris from intercepted Iranian drones injures child, damages homes
Philippines launches probe into deaths of two athletes from top basketball team
Kuwait resumes airspace after brief closure due to Iranian attacks
Canada introduces legislation to ban social media for children under 16
