A tragic incident unfolded on the fringes of the Symi Island in the eastern Aegean Sea this Friday when a 39-year-old migrant was found lifeless. Greek coastguard has reported that the man’s death was likely caused by a bullet wound. The incident happened as the migrant vessel, which disregarded the warnings to halt, was shot at by the coastguard aiming to disable its outboard motor.
The vessel was carrying a load of 14 migrants, composed of eight men, a woman, and five minors, who had fled from Turkey’s shores in violation of international borders. The migrants had unwittingly embarked on a perilous journey into Greek territory. The situation escalated when the migrant boat was spotted by a Greek coastguard patrol who conveyed both visual and audio halts which went unheeded.
The boat then started to recklessly speed up, further ignoring the warnings. It proceeded to execute dangerous maneuvers, which exacerbated the already tense situation. The vessel became an immediate threat by coming dangerously close to the coastguard patrol, thereby jeopardizing the lives of crew members.
In an attempt to neutralize the perceived imminent danger to the coastguard vessel and its crew, warning shots were discharged. In the aftermath of the warning shots, targeted shots were also directed at the vessel’s outboard engine. The coastguard’s goal was to immobilize the high-speed migrant vessel.
Unfortunately, amid the fray, the migrant from Kuwait suffered fatal injuries, creating a grim end to a desperate journey. In the aftermath of the incident, two individuals were taken into custody under the accusation of human trafficking.
Sadly, this incident mirrors the hardship faced by countless individuals from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, who view Greece as a door to the European Union. This migrant route has been very active since 2015.
In that year, Greek islands faced an exceptional humanitarian crisis as they became a landing spot for nearly one million individuals escaping turmoil in their homelands. A myriad of others met their fate at sea during the perilous journey.
Greece’s location and its affiliation to the European Union render it a desired destination for refugees and migrants from troubled zones. It becomes a beacon of hope for a better life, away from the hardships they experience in their homelands.
These desperate voyages often end in tragedy, however, emphasising the urgency to address the root causes of involuntary mass migrations. The borders become a theatre of human despair where both the migrants and the coastguards are the actors of an unfortunate drama.
The phenomenon of people risking their lives, hoping to escape poverty, war, or persecution, paints a grim picture of the ongoing global issues. The recent tragedy highlights the critical need for international collaboration to solve the structural problems that lead to these desperate mass migrations.
While Greek authorities and humanitarian organizations grapple with offering immediate relief, the lasting solution would be to address the socio-economic and geopolitical causes that compel people to embark on such dangerous journeys.
The recurring maritime tragedies highlight the deadly risks that migrants are willing to take in their pursuit of safety and a brighter future. It underscores the urgency for an international response to the migration crisis.
It is not just the responsibility of the Greek government or the European Union but of the global community. A multilateral approach in tackling these issues comprehensively, respecting human rights and the dignity of all people involved, is imperative.