Migrant boat Turkey - A boat smuggling migrants to Europe has capsized off the coast of Turkey. About 24 people have been confirmed dead from the accident.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday, close to the point where the Black Sea meets the Bosphorus Strait.

Turkish officials were reportedly called to the scene after a fisherman found the boat partly submerged.

The victims, who officials say are Afghan and Syrian nationals, included men, women and children.

The rescue operation to save survivors of the migrant boat Turkey has been extensive. Air, sea and underwater missions have been dispatched to bring the victims from the water. According to DW, up to 7 people have been rescued thus far, but other sources claim the number of survivors is higher.

The migrant boat Turkey accident is still being investigated. Officials are yet to ascertain what may have caused the vessel to overturn.

It is also unclear exactly where the migrant boat Turkey was heading before the accident. In a BBC report, a top ranking EU official speculates that the migrant boat that sank off Turkey was on its way to Romania.

Every year thousands of migrants from Africa and the Middle East embark on an expensive and life threatening journey to Europe through illegal means in search of a better life. The recent unrest in the Middle East has reportedly increased the number of migrants willing to take this dangerous voyage across the sea.

The migrant boat Turkey is just one of the several accidents involving illegal migrants that have been recorded this year. Reports indicate that it costs over $2,000 to get a spot on a crowded boat bound for this perilous journey.