Greek Coast Guard boat. Photo: Shutterstock A serious and unusual incident near the coast of Lesbos occurred last night (October 18) when six people, including a baby, were killed as a result of a collision between an illegal immigrant boat and a Greek Coast Guard boat.
According to initial information, the motorboat was trying to bring migrants from Turkey to the shores of Lesbos, and investigators are examining the circumstances of the maritime accident, including whether the Coast Guard boat failed to see the migrant boat in the dark.
Greece's Minister of Maritime Affairs and Shipping, Vasilis Kikilias, published the details of the incident along with a strong statement against the migrant smugglers.
The anchorage of Lesbos. Photo: Amit Cotler"The tragedy that occurred last night in the maritime area of Lesbos fills us with sorrow and anger," the minister wrote. "Six people lost their lives due to the criminal actions of modern slave traders."
The minister sharply criticized those behind the migrant smuggling: "Our position is non-negotiable, zero tolerance towards the smugglers, the cruel criminals, who, in order to get rich, do not hesitate to lead desperate people, families and innocent children to their deaths."