Greek Coast Guard Alerts on Dangerous Migrant Smuggling Tactics

In recent incidents in the Aegean Sea, Greek authorities have reported a disturbing new tactic by migrant smugglers. Smugglers ferrying migrants from Turkey to Greece's eastern islands have been knocking passengers off their speedboats to avoid capture by the coast guard.

Over the weekend, two such incidents occurred. In one case near the island of Kos, a Palestinian and an Afghan man piloting a speedboat allegedly tried to ram a pursuing patrol boat. They then forced five passengers into the sea. The coast guard rescued the migrants, and later located 30 others on land. The two suspected smugglers were arrested.

In another incident off the island of Symi, three migrants were forced off the smuggling boat during a chase. The smugglers then returned to Turkish waters while their remaining passengers were picked up by the Turkish coast guard. The rescued migrants said they had paid $4,500 each to be ferried.

Greek coast guard officials note that smuggling gangs have adapted in recent months. They are using high-powered speedboats and new routes. There has also been an increase in migrants taking the longer journey from Libya to the Greek island of Crete.

In the past 24 hours, two speedboats carrying a total of 42 people crossed from Turkey to the eastern island of Leros. Two suspected smugglers were arrested on land, and a third was taken into custody at sea after a chase.

According to the United Nations refugee agency, about 31,500 migrants have arrived illegally in Greece so far this year. This is slightly fewer than the numbers reaching Italy and Spain, which are major entry points for those trying to enter Europe illegally. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Greece in dealing with migrant smuggling and the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety of migrants and maintain border security.