Sea pursuit in the Aegean: Arrest of two traffickers and rescue of 15 migrants
In an operation in the Aegean, the Coast Guard arrested two people for illegal migrant smuggling and rescued 15 Syrians, including eight children.
Sea pursuit in the Aegean: Arrest of two traffickers and rescue of 15 migrants
Early in the morning in the Aegean, Coast Guard officers spotted a vessel moving at excessive speed from Turkish shores towards Greek territorial waters. Monitoring of the vessel began immediately from the operational centre.
The speedboat in question was equipped with two powerful outboard engines. Its operator ignored the signals from the authorities and attempted to escape, accelerating to high speed.
Seven Coast Guard vessels and a helicopter participated in the operation. After many hours of pursuit across an extensive sea area, the vessel was immobilised near the south-eastern side of Kéros.
The Coast Guard officers proceeded with the arrest of the two operators, a Greek and a Cypriot citizen. The vessel was seized. Fifteen people of Syrian nationality were aboard the boat, including eight minors. The rescued individuals were transferred to Náxos, where they received medical and psychological care.
Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias praised the operational capability of the personnel who participated in the operation. The Port Authority of Náxos is conducting a preliminary investigation to determine the circumstances of the illegal transportation.
Source: Naftemporiki
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)