Greek Coastguard Shooting Incident Leaves Migrant Dead Near Symi Island

A 39-year-old migrant was tragically found dead after the Greek coastguard fired shots at a vessel carrying migrants near the island of Symi in the eastern Aegean Sea. The coastguard reported that the man likely died from a bullet, as shots were fired at the outboard engine of the migrant boat in an attempt to stop it after it ignored warnings to halt. An investigation has been initiated, and a Greek prosecutor has ordered the arrest of the coastguard officer who fired the shots and the seizure of the weapon used.

The boat, carrying 14 migrants including eight men, one woman, and five minors, had departed from Turkey and entered Greek territorial waters illegally. When spotted by a coastguard patrol, the boat disregarded warnings and engaged in risky maneuvers, endangering the lives of the coastguard crew. The coastguard fired warning shots to protect their vessel and crew, followed by targeted shots at the boat’s engine to immobilize it. The deceased migrant was believed to be from Kuwait, and two men were arrested on suspicion of people smuggling.

Greece has been a primary entry point to the European Union for migrants and refugees from various regions since 2015. The influx of nearly 1 million people caused a humanitarian crisis on the Greek islands, with many others perishing at sea. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing migration flows and ensuring the safety of both migrants and enforcement personnel.

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