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Sixteen migrants and a people trafficker died when their inflatable dinghy capsized early Friday in the Aegean Sea off the Turkish resort of Bodrum, the coastguard said. It was the latest in a series of migrants deaths on the short but perilous route between the Turkish coast and the nearby Greek islands of Samos, Rhodes and Lesbos that serve as entry points to the European Union. "The dead bodies of 16 illegal migrants and that of a trafficker have been recovered," the coastguard stated, adding two migrants had been rescued. The local governor's office had earlier given a death toll of 14 migrants, stating on X that a migrant had managed to alert the coastguard to the emergency. One of the two survivors, an Afghan, told rescuers that the vessel had sunk barely 10 minutes after starting to take on water. He had been forced to swim for six hours to Celebi Island, he added. Authorities did not give the nationalities of the other migrants. Bodrum lies less than five kilometres from the Greek island of Kos. According to the Missing Migrants Project run by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), nearly 1,400 migrants have died trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea this year. Turkey, which signed an agreement with Brussels in 2016 to stem illegal immigration into the European Union, hosts more than 2.5 million refugees on its soil, the vast majority Syrians, say officials.

Romania's Foreign Ministry on Sunday summoned the Russian ambassador to Bucharest over the entry of a Russian drone into its airspace during an attack on Ukraine. Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said that Russia's ambassador to Bucharest, Vladimir Lipaev, was summoned to the ministry and that Romania conveyed its strong protest against this act, adding that Moscow's actions pose a "new challenge" to Black Sea security.Earlier today, Romania strongly condemned the entry of a Russian drone into its airspace during an attack on neighboring Ukraine. The incursion comes days after Poland said it had shot down Russian drones that had violated its airspace.In a statement, Romania's defense ministry said it "strongly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasizes that they represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area."

Nomas Center continues to offer training courses dedicated to teaching the art of sea fishing, one of the most important traditional professions linked to Qatar’s history and rich maritime heritage.This is part of its programmes aimed at instilling authentic values in the hearts of young people and introducing them to the heritage of their forefathers.The course aims to introduce young participants to the basics of marine fishing, starting with knowledge of traditional fishing tools and how to use them, moving on to the art of sailing and safety at sea, and finally to sound environmental practices that ensure the sustainability of marine resources.Trainees also learn the art of casting nets, how to select fishing spots, and how to deal with ocean currents and weather changes.The course pays special attention to practical aspects, with trainees spending time at sea under the supervision of experienced instructors, providing a realistic experience resembling that of fishermen of the past. Theoretical activities are combined with folk stories and narratives that reflect the suffering, patience, and co-operation of ancient fishermen in facing the challenges of the sea.This course is organised in line with Nomas Center’s mission to promote authentic Qatari identity, connect new generations to their national heritage, and instil in them life skills and values such as patience and teamwork.The course witnessed a growing turnout from participants, who emphasised the importance of these programmes in deepening children’s connection to their roots.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's Marine Protection Department has carried out a field operation to remove abandoned fishing gear from a coral reef fishing ground in the country’s eastern local waters, as part of the efforts to protect the marine environment and preserve biodiversity. The operation resulted in the retrieval of fishing nets and traps from a depth of 14m. They posed a danger to marine life and threatened the ecological balance of the surrounding marine environment, a statement added.