During a patrol, the crew spotted an inflatable boat departing from Türkiye’s coast and acted immediately, the Navy said.

The group included eight men, nine women and eight children of Afghan and Syrian nationality.

“The swift action and timely cooperation ensured the successful rescue and transfer of all persons to the competent authorities,” the Albanian Navy said, adding that the mission demonstrated Albania’s commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and strengthening cooperation with international partners.

Albania’s Naval Forces have saved thousands of illegal immigrants trying to cross the Aegean, supporting the NATO-led operations in the Aegean Sea as part of international efforts aimed at curbing human trafficking.

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