- Suspected smugglers opened fire on a Greek Coast Guard vessel near Lesvos.
- The vessel retreated to Turkish waters; 25 migrants were found onshore.
- A formal investigation is underway by the Mytilene Port Authority.
Gunfire erupted off the coast of Lesvos when suspected migrant smugglers on a Turkish fishing boat opened fire at a patrolling Hellenic Coast Guard vessel.
Following the attack, the Coast Guard forced the fishing boat back into Turkish waters and notified Turkish authorities. Meanwhile, 25 migrants were located onshore and transferred to the Kara Tepe identification center.
Greek Coast Guard Targeted by Gunfire in Migrant Smuggling Incident
In a dangerous escalation of migrant smuggling activities, Greek authorities reported that gunfire was exchanged after a Turkish fishing boat carrying suspected smugglers fired upon a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel near Lesvos. The Coast Guard had approached the vessel after observing suspicious activity near the Aghios Fokas coastline.
The Greek crew responded to the aggression by maneuvering the Turkish boat back toward its own territorial waters. Turkish authorities were alerted. They are expected to follow up on the vessel’s activities after it crossed back into their jurisdiction.
Simultaneously, Greek authorities discovered 25 migrants who had been disembarked by the smugglers. They were safely taken into custody and transported to the Kara Tepe identification center for processing and care.
The Central Port Authority of Mytilene is conducting a preliminary investigation to assess the circumstances of the incident and coordinate with international counterparts. No one was hurt in the exchange. The incident underscores the growing risks in the region.
This confrontation highlights the escalating tensions in the Aegean Sea and the increasingly dangerous methods used by migrant smugglers. It is prompting a call for stronger international cooperation.
“When human lives are used as currency in illegal trade, security and compassion must walk hand in hand.”
