The images of the tiny body of a Syrian boy, washed up on a beach in Turkey, have shocked the world. Aylan Kurdi was just three-years-old. His
ADVERTISEMENTThe images of the tiny body of a Syrian boy, washed up on a beach in Turkey, have shocked the world.
Aylan Kurdi was just three-years-old. His family had been attempting to get to Europe – but they never made it.
The boat they were on capsised, as they headed for the Greek island of Kos. Aylan’s mum and brother also lost their lives.
His father Abdullah, who was trying to get those he loved away from Syria’s conflict-ridden town of Kobani, survived.
Abdullah, who is now trying to come to terms with losing all of them, recalled the horror of what happened to them.
“I took over and started steering, the waves were so high and the boat flipped. I took my wife and my kids in my arms and I realised they were all dead,” he said.
Abdullah added: “I want to stay next to my children, next to their graves, this is all what I want.”
It has emerged the family had originally been trying to emigrate to Canada. Their application was reportedly rejected in June.
Aylan’s death has gone viral, spawning sympathy and outrage at the perceived inaction of countries to help migrants.