At least 19 Afghan migrants, including a baby, have died after a speedboat capsized in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Bodrum, Turkish authorities said on Wednesday.

According to the Turkish Coast Guard Command, the vessel was carrying dozens of migrants when it ignored repeated orders to stop and attempted to flee at high speed despite rough sea conditions. The boat later began taking on water before overturning.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with teams supported by a helicopter from Izmir. Authorities said 20 migrants were rescued from the water, while 18 bodies were initially recovered at the scene. One more person later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 19.

Search efforts are ongoing for at least one individual still reported missing.

Officials confirmed that all those on board were Afghan nationals. Idris Akbiyik, governor of Muğla province, said the victims included a baby.

Dangerous migration route

The incident occurred along one of the most frequently used—and perilous—migration routes into Europe. The nearby Greek island of Kos lies just about 20 kilometres from Bodrum, making it a common destination for migrants attempting to reach the European Union.

Other islands in close proximity include Kalymnos, Leros and Symi, all part of a corridor frequently used by people fleeing conflict, instability and economic hardship across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Turkey remains a major transit point for migrants seeking entry into Europe, with many attempting the short but dangerous sea crossing in overcrowded or unseaworthy boats. Despite increased patrols and enforcement efforts, such journeys often take place in poor weather or under risky conditions, frequently resulting in fatal accidents.

The latest tragedy highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants on this route, as well as the continued pressure on coastal authorities managing search and rescue operations in the region.

In a regular meeting of the National Procurement Commission chaired by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, 17 projects worth more than one billion AFN were approved.

According to a statement from the deputy PM’s office, a total of 42 projects were presented for approval during the meeting. After discussion, 17 projects valued at over one billion AFN were approved, while modifications were made to 14 other projects.

The approved and amended projects include the construction of a dormitory building at Panjshir University; the construction of a medical faculty building at Badakhshan University; the completion of the first and second phases of the Kunar–Nuristan Road; the construction of general hospitals in Giro district of Ghazni province, Bandar district of Faryab province, and Spin Ghar district of Nangarhar province; as well as electricity supply and distribution projects across various provinces.

These projects are funded by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

A delegation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has left for Urumqi, China, to hold talks with Pakistani officials, sources told Ariana News on Wednesday.

Mohibullah Wasiq, foreign minister’s chief of staff, is leading the Afghan delegtion.

The delegation also includes the heads of foreign relations of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Intelligence.

Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq is heading the Pakistani delegation.

Pakistan and Afghanistan’s worst fighting in years erupted last month, claiming heavy human losses on both sides.

Islamabad accuses the Islamic Emirate ​of harbouring and supporting militants who carry out ​attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies it, saying the militancy is Pakistan’s domestic problem.