Dramatic Chase of Migrant Smugglers in Lesvos: Coast Guard Officer Injured

A high-stakes pursuit unfolded off the coast of Lesvos on Thursday, when a Coast Guard patrol boat engaged in a chase with a speedboat suspected of smuggling migrants.

The incident, marked by dangerous maneuvers and the ramming of the Coast Guard vessel, resulted in the injury of a Greek officer and the arrest of two Turkish nationals.

The sequence began at midday, when the patrol boat of the Hellenic Coast Guard identified a speedboat unloading migrants in the Agrilia area of Lesvos. After completing the disembarkation, the smugglers attempted to escape at high speed, heading toward Turkish waters.

Despite repeated light and sound signals from the Coast Guard, the vessel refused to comply, prompting a tense pursuit.

During the chase, the smugglers’ speedboat performed perilous maneuvers and ultimately rammed the Coast Guard vessel, causing a side impact that injured one officer aboard.

The smugglers’ vessel was eventually immobilised, and two Turkish nationals, aged 31 and 25, were taken into custody. A knife with a 10 cm ejector blade was discovered on one of the suspects, further raising concerns about the incident’s severity.

A second Coast Guard vessel arrived promptly to transport the injured officer to the port of Mytilene. The officer was then taken by ambulance to the General Hospital of Mytilene "Vostaneio," where he received medical attention.

Meanwhile, Greek Police conducted ground searches in the Agrilia area, discovering 30 migrants who had been left behind by the smugglers. The group was transferred to the Reception and Identification Centre in Kara Tepe for further processing.

Authorities seized the speedboat involved in the chase as part of the investigation.

Further inquiries into the operation and the smugglers’ network are underway, with authorities emphasising their commitment to safeguarding human lives and maintaining security in the Aegean.