Opening up about the traumatic incident for the first time, paramilitary police officer, Mehmet Ciplak, recalled his initial reaction to the scene and recounted the thoughts which flashed through his mind as he approached Aylan's body last Wednesday.
Mehmet, who was photographed cradling the dead child in images which were subsequently splashed across international newspapers, said: "When I saw the baby on the beach, I approached and said to myself, ‘Dear God, I hope he’s alive’
Sergeant Ciplak, who has been a crime scene investigator for almost twenty years, admits he was devastated to realise Aylan had already perished, telling Turkey's Dogan News Agency: "When I found out he was dead, I was crushed deep down inside. It was a terrible sight, it was a terrible loss."
Acknowledging the severity of Europe's refugee crisis, Mehmet said the death of 12 people off the Turkish coast, two of who were relatives of Aylan, was 'a shame for humanity' and admitted the tragedy has left him 'sick at heart'.
Unaware his time with Aylan was being documented, Mehmet explained he was simply carrying out his duties, saying: "I didn't see the photographer and didn't know the picture was being taken. I was just doing my job."
Our hearts go out to Mehmet as he comes to terms with the tragedy.
