Deadly Confrontation: Greek Coast Guard Fires on Migrant Speedboat

A Greek coast guard vessel fired on a speedboat smuggling migrants from Turkiye, resulting in one fatality. The incident occurred after the smuggling boat attempted to ram the patrol boat. The remaining passengers, including children, were unharmed. Greece faces criticism over its treatment of migrants.

The crew of a Greek coast guard vessel opened fire on a speedboat smuggling migrants — including several children — from neighbouring Turkiye, resulting in one fatality, Greek authorities announced on Friday.

According to a coast guard statement, shots were initially fired into the air and then targeted the speedboat's engine in an effort to neutralize the threat posed by the helmsman, who had rammed the Greek patrol boat in an attempt to evade arrest.

Once the boat was immobilized, the authorities discovered a passenger fatally wounded, presumably by a bullet. The other 13 passengers, including children, were unharmed and transported to the southeast Aegean Sea island of Symi. Two men were arrested on suspicion of being part of a smuggling gang.

(With inputs from agencies.)