The Hellenic Coast Guard has issued a response to allegations by the UN’s High Commission that it caused a boat containing refugees to overturn, while it was being tugged towards Turkish shores. While 16 refugees were eventually rescued, 12 (including women and children) are still missing at sea.
In the announcement, the Coast Guard claims that it was tugging the boat towards Farmakonisi, rather than Turkey. Additionally, the Coast Guard explains that the rescue operation was hampered by the harsh weather conditions and a fire which broke out in the boat’s left main engine.
The Coast Guard stresses that it is conducting an investigation, and that it took all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the refugees with respect to their human rights.
