Turkey caused sinking of dinghy and abandoned migrants: three still missing

Minister of Migration and Asylum, Mr. Notis Mitarachi, stated :

"Regarding the incident of the sea wreck in Lesvos on July 30th, it is clear that the rubber dinghy commenced its trip, illegally, from the Turkish coast.
Although it came to the attention of the Turkish Coast Guard, who approached it, according to testimonies, not only did they not try to stop it, but allowed it to continue with its trip, with the aim to enter illegally the territorial waters of the European Union.

Furthermore, while the sea was calm, the Turkish Coast Guard vessel made maneuvers that caused waves, triggering the rubber dinghy to capsize.
Following the incident, instead of proceeding immediately to the search and rescue of people at sea, the Turkish Coast Guard left the site of the incident.
The Hellenic Coast Guard, located the incident, entered the Turkish waters and rescued 10 people, while, according to testimonies, there are three more missing people, one of whom is a minor.

Once again, Turkey has not fulfilled its duty and obligations under International Law and the 2016 EU-Turkey Joint Statement."

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