Greek authorities have reported two incidents in which smugglers ferrying migrants from Turkey to Greece’s eastern islands resorted to dangerous tactics to avoid capture by coast guards. In one case, a Palestinian and an Afghan man piloting a speedboat attempted to ram a pursuing patrol boat off the island of Kos and forced five passengers to jump into the sea. The coast guards stopped to rescue the migrants, while the two suspected smugglers were later arrested along with thirty others from the boat. In a second incident off the island of Symi, three migrants were forced off the smuggling boat, allowing the smugglers to return to Turkish waters with the remaining passengers.
The Greek coast guard has noted the adaptation of smuggling gangs to Greece’s tight policing of eastern Aegean waters. Not only have they adopted the aggressive use of high-powered speedboats, but they have also explored new routes through the central Aegean. Additionally, there has been an increase in migrants making the longer journey from Libya to the southern Greek island of Crete. These new tactics have posed challenges for authorities to effectively monitor and intercept smuggling operations in the region.
In a separate development, the Greek coast guard disclosed that 42 individuals in two speedboats crossed from Turkey to the eastern island of Leros in the past 24 hours. Among the migrants on land, two suspected smugglers were arrested, while a third was taken into custody at sea after a chase. The migrants reported that they had paid $4,500 each to be ferried across, highlighting the exorbitant costs and risks involved in these illegal crossings. The total number of migrants arriving illegally in Greece this year stands at about 31,500, with Italy and Spain also serving as major gateways for individuals seeking to enter Europe unlawfully.
These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by Greek authorities in combating migrant smuggling operations along the country’s maritime borders. The increased use of high-speed boats and aggressive tactics by smugglers have made it more difficult to intercept and apprehend individuals involved in these illegal activities. As the migrant crisis continues to unfold, there is a pressing need for enhanced cooperation between countries in the region to address the root causes of irregular migration and improve border security measures to prevent further tragedies at sea.
The Greek coast guard’s efforts to monitor and respond to migrant smuggling activities have intensified in response to the evolving tactics employed by criminal networks. By targeting key transit routes and working closely with international partners, authorities aim to disrupt smuggling operations and prevent loss of life at sea. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the human cost associated with illegal migration and the urgency of addressing the underlying issues driving individuals to undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and opportunity. The Greek government remains committed to addressing these challenges and protecting the integrity of its borders while upholding international obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals within its jurisdiction.
