Migrant Dies in Greek Coast Guard Shooting Incident off Symi Island
A migrant lost his life during a confrontation with the Greek Coast Guard near Symi island. The incident, involving a boat carrying 14 migrants, has prompted an investigation and arrest order for the officer involved.
On August 18, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in the waters off Symi, a Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago, resulting in the death of a 39-year-old migrant. The Greek Coast Guard, an organization established in 1919, reportedly opened fire on a vessel carrying migrants in the eastern Aegean Sea.
According to official statements, the Coast Guard patrol encountered a boat with 14 migrants - eight men, one woman, and five minors - that had entered Greek territorial waters without authorization from nearby Turkish shores. The vessel allegedly disregarded warnings to halt and performed hazardous maneuvers, prompting the Coast Guard to take action.
"Warning shots were fired to prevent an immediate risk to the coastguard vessel and its crew ... and subsequently targeted shots were fired at the outboard engine aimed at immobilising the speedboat."
The deceased migrant, believed to be of Kuwaiti origin, reportedly succumbed to a bullet wound. Kuwait, a country in Western Asia bordering the Persian Gulf, has not been a typical source of migrants in the region, making this case particularly notable.
In response to the incident, authorities have initiated an investigation. A Greek prosecutor has ordered the arrest of the Coast Guard officer who discharged the weapon and the confiscation of the firearm in question. Additionally, two individuals have been apprehended on suspicion of people smuggling, a crime that involves facilitating the illegal entry of persons across international borders.
This event highlights the ongoing challenges Greece faces as a primary entry point for migrants and refugees seeking access to the European Union. Since 2015, when nearly one million people arrived on Greek islands, the country has grappled with an unprecedented humanitarian situation. That year alone, over 850,000 migrants reached Greece by sea, contributing to what became known as the European migrant crisis.
Greece's extensive coastline, stretching 13,676 kilometers and ranking as the 11th longest globally, presents significant border control challenges. The Aegean Sea, home to more than 2,000 islands and islets, further complicates surveillance efforts. To address these issues, the Greek Coast Guard operates a fleet exceeding 240 patrol vessels of various types.
The broader context of migration in the Mediterranean region remains concerning. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that in 2021, over 3,000 migrants lost their lives or went missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between border security, humanitarian concerns, and the desperate circumstances driving people to undertake perilous journeys in search of safety or better opportunities.
