Fifty-eight people died when a refugee boat carrying over 100 refugees sank off the coast of İzmir, Turkey, according to Hurriyet Daily News.

Some 43 refugees were rescued, the others remain missing. Those rescued are reportedly from Iraq and Syria and are of Kurdish origin.

The boat's passengers, who were allegedly trying to enter European countries illegally, were mostly women and children. Initial questioning revealed the refugees to be on their way to Britain.

Gendarmarie forces have detained two Turkish suspects in connection with the incident amid a continuing investigation.