Greek Coast Guard accused of causing deaths of dozens of migrants in Mediterranean

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Over a three-year period, the Greek Coast Guard has allegedly been responsible for the deaths of dozens of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, according to eyewitness testimony, including from nine people who were reportedly thrown into the water deliberately.

These claims are part of a broader investigation by the BBC, which analyzed incidents occurring from May 2020 to May 2023.

The investigation found that a total of 43 people died in 15 separate incidents linked to the actions of the Greek Coast Guard.

The accusations stem from practices where migrants were forced out of Greek territorial waters or returned to the sea after reaching Greek islands.

The primary sources for these allegations include local media reports, non-governmental organizations, and the Coast Guard in neighboring Türkiye.

Footage obtained during the investigation shows 12 people being loaded onto a Greek Coast Guard boat and subsequently abandoned on a dinghy.

This footage was shown to a former senior Greek Coast Guard officer, who, while still wearing a microphone, commented that the actions depicted were "obviously illegal" and constituted "an international crime."

The Greek government has faced long-standing accusations from NGOs, governments, and international watchdogs of engaging in forced returns, often pushing migrants back towards Türkiye, from where they initially crossed.

Such actions are illegal under international law. Despite these accusations, the Greek Coast Guard has firmly denied any involvement in illegal activities.

This BBC investigation marks the first time the number of fatal incidents allegedly involving the Greek Coast Guard has been calculated.