Greek Coast Guard Thwarts Migrant Smuggling Attempt near Rhodes: 10 Rescued, Trafficker Arrested

In an incident that occurred on Friday morning in the sea area west of Rhodes, a Greek Coast Guard vessel took action to halt a speedboat carrying migrants from Turkey to the island of Rhodes. The Coast Guard vessel, conducting its regular patrol, spotted the speedboat en route to the shores of Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes.

Upon sighting the speedboat, the Coast Guard promptly signaled for it to stop. However, the operator of the speedboat disregarded the audible and visual signals from the Coast Guard patrol boat. Instead, the speedboat accelerated at a high speed in the sea area of Rhodes and engaged in perilous maneuvers, attempting to collide with the Coast Guard vessel.

A pursuit ensued, and to ensure the safety of all involved, the Coast Guard of Rhodes fired warning shots in a secure location, leading the speedboat to come to a halt. The crew of the patrol boat swiftly apprehended the operator and the 10 migrants on board, comprising 7 men, 2 women, and 1 child. They were successfully rescued and transported to the new Rhodes marina.

At the marina, the migrants positively identified the 43-year-old operator as the individual responsible for smuggling them. Consequently, the Central Port Authority of Rhodes, currently overseeing the preliminary investigation, took custody of the 43-year-old human trafficker. Simultaneously, authorities seized the speedboat involved in the incident.