The rescues occurred off the coast of Kusadasi province, as well as in areas near Cesme, Dikili and Seferihisar districts in tge city of Izmir, according to Anatolia news agency.

The Government activated the Navtex system on maritime security on Tuesday, after a similar action by the Greek Executive days ago, raising tension in the area.

Both countries have a bitter dispute involving issues related to maritime limits, migration and rights to exploit hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean Sea.

Repeated attempts at dialogue were frustrated despite the mediation of the European Union, to which Greece belongs, since the background of bilateral differences goes beyond geographical issues.

Discrepancies on religious, cultural and diplomatic matters further weaken relations, which at times become belligerent and threaten to turn into an armed confrontation in the area, despite the fact that the parties separately express their good will for talks.

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