Turkish coast guards captured Thursday some 400 illegal migrants in a cargo ship en route to Italy in northwestern Turkey, private Dogan News Agency reported.

According to the report, the coast guards warned a cargo ship named "Dogan Kartal" which departed from Istanbul for search near Lapseki town of Canakkale province.

As the vessel ignored the notice, coast guards launched an operation into the ship and opened fire at the engine room, Canakkale Governor Ahmet Cinar was quoted as saying, adding that some 400 illegal migrants were found on board who shouted "to Italy or death."

The reports also said the crew of five, including three Syrians and two Turks, have been detained.

Turkey is geographically positioned between Asia and Europe, and has become a major transit point for Middle Eastern and Asian migrants and refugees fleeing from poverty or conflict in their home countries. Endit

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