Traffickers arrested after pursuit in the Aegean
A vessel carrying 15 Syrian migrants, including eight children, was immobilised near Keros following an extended operation by the Coastguard. Two people were arrested as traffickers.
Traffickers arrested after pursuit in the Aegean
In an operation conducted in the maritime area around Keros, Coastguard personnel managed to immobilise a small vessel that was carrying a total of fifteen people from Syria. Among the passengers were eight minors. The rescued individuals were taken to Naxos, where they received necessary provisions and medical care.
The operation began when a suspicious vessel was spotted travelling at high speed from Turkish waters towards Greek territorial waters. The vessel was equipped with two powerful outboard engines and was immediately placed under surveillance by the operations centre.
Seven patrol vessels and a helicopter took part in the mobilisation. The vessel's operator ignored the authorities' instructions and attempted to escape by developing exceptionally high speeds. The pursuit lasted many hours across a broad maritime front before the authorities managed to stop the vessel.
The two men considered responsible for the transportation were arrested, whilst the vessel was seized as an instrument of the crime. The investigation into the incident was taken over by the Harbour Authority of Naxos, which is examining the circumstances of the illegal entry into Greek territory.
Source: Naftemporiki
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)