375 migrants aboard a Turkish-flagged cargo ship landed at the port of Kos early Sunday morning and were taken to the local reception and identification center for migrants, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum said in a statement.
One of the passengers was evacuated from the ship earlier and taken to the island of Karpathos for medical assistance. Most migrants from Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to local mass media …
Six people on board suspected of human trafficking were detained for questioning.
We have notified the EU that Turkey has refusing to take their vessel back. Greece has rescued hundreds of thousands of people in the last seven years – it is time for the EU to act and provide impactful solidarity and ensure the EU / Turkey statement is upheld. pic.twitter.com/AF2lOPuR37
– Νότης Μηταράκης – Notis Mitarachi (@nmitarakis) October 31, 2021
Migrants placed at the Dust Refugee Center on Kos until their asylum applications are reviewed by officials and they complete quarantine. However, the ministry stressed that this decision is temporary and is the result of extenuating circumstances.
Earlier today the Hellenic coastguard safely disembarked 382 migrants from a Turkish flagged vessel after its engine failed in international waters off Crete. Yet again another dangerous and illegal journey from the Turkish coast, unseen by the Turkish authorities. pic.twitter.com/JChiKJBLae
– Νότης Μηταράκης – Notis Mitarachi (@nmitarakis) October 31, 2021
“Greece has proven once again that it protects human life at sea and offers security where others are indifferent to their obligations,” said Minister of Migration Notis Mitarakis. He also said on social media that he informed the European Union that Turkey had refused to take back its cargo ship and called on the EU to enforce the migration agreement with Turkey.
Earlier today the Hellenic coastguard safely disembarked 382 migrants from a Turkish flagged vessel after its engine failed in international waters off Crete. Yet again another dangerous and illegal journey from the Turkish coast, unseen by the Turkish authorities. pic.twitter.com/JChiKJBLae
– Νότης Μηταράκης – Notis Mitarachi (@nmitarakis) October 31, 2021
Yiannis Plakiotakis, Minister of Shipping and Island Policy of Greece, stated:
“Turkey does not accept the return of a Turkish-flagged vessel that left the Turkish port, obviously with the knowledge of the Turkish coast guard. She is used to acting like a pirate in the Eastern Mediterranean and remains indifferent to human lives. “
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has welcomed the safe arrival of migrants to Kos.
UNHCR is relieved over 380 people on a boat in distress off the coast of Greece have been safely disembarked on Kos island.
We are grateful to the Greek authorities and stand ready to provide any support necessary. pic.twitter.com/5c9o6n5oBX
– UNHCR Greece (@UNHCRGreece) October 31, 2021
Vessel “Murat 729” left a Turkish port near Izmir and sent a distress signal south of Crete when it experienced engine problems on Friday. During a rescue operation launched by the Greek Coast Guard, the vessel was towed to Kos.
In agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with the approval of its head Nikos Dendias, the head of the Greek coast guard sent Ankara a request for the return of migrants, but Ankara rejected this request.
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