The operator of a speedboat carrying illegal migrants and refugees, who attempted to enter Greek waters was taken to hospital after suffering injuries during an incident with the Hellenic coast guard near the island of Symi in the south Aegean Sea on Monday evening.
According to reports, the speedboat operator refused to comply with the officer’s warnings to change course resulting in a pursuit. The speedboat carried out dangerous maneuvers and attempted to ram the patrol boat. The Coast Guard officers fired two warning shots and then aimed at the speedboat’s engine.
The speedboat turned around and collided with the Coast Guard patrol boat’s right side, resulting in the vessel’s air chamber rupture and immobilization. The smuggler at the helm was injured and transferred to the Symi Health Center. He was then transported to the General Hospital of Rhodes, where he remains hospitalized.
Twenty-one foreign nationals, refugees, and illegal migrants, were located on land, who had departed from Bozburun, Turkey, each paying 4,500 euros to reach Symi. The speedboat sank.
The Greek Coast Guard issued a relevant statement about the incident.
