The boat carrying around 40 people was close to the Greek coast and would have required assistance from the Hellenic Coast Guard to reach Greek shores. However, it was intercepted under unclear circumstances, resulting in those on board ending up in the sea. Fifteen people lost their lives and 25 were seriously injured, indicating that a violent incident had occurred.
According to official figures, 14 people were pulled out of the cold sea dead, while one woman died from severe injuries. The General Hospital in Chios received a large number of injured people, 25 in total among people on the move, including many children (7 men, 7 women, 11 children) and two members of the coast guard, and despite the serious staff shortages, the staff did their best to respond.
Greece is bound by international, EU and domestic law to provide assistance to boats in distress at sea, regardless of the nationality of the people on board. However, practices like this, which occur regularly, are completely contrary to the legal obligations of Greece and violate basic human rights. Tragic incidents such as the shipwrecks of Farmakonisi, Pylos and Chios hold the country accountable for its aggressive push-back policies as well as the reluctance to fully investigate similar incidents.
Shipwrecks and deaths are a direct consequence of the deterrence policy by the Greek Government but also by the EU.Those responsible must be held accountable.
Officials were quick to draw conclusions about the incident without first conducting an independent investigation involving experts and witnesses - a method often used by authoritarian Governments, witnessed in the US after ICE’s killings, witnessed now (again) in Greece. Testimonies from hospital staff and survivors contradict the official narrative..
We are joining the voices of civil society to highlight the seriousness of this incident. We are calling for an independent and thorough investigation into the deadly shipwreck, free from any obstruction.Equal Rights stands with the survivors and demand that the state takes the necessary measures to accommodate asylum seekers and provide them with psycho-social support and unhindered access to legal assistance.
***
Contact: press@equal-rights.org