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live Almost a new tragedy near Samos

06 May 2014 / 11:05:22  GRReporter
2778 reads

The Greek Coast Guard managed to save the lives of 24 illegal immigrants this morning near the Aegean island of Samos. Yesterday, near the same place a boat packed with migrants overturned. The incident killed 22 people, including two pregnant women and four children - three boys and a girl.

"We are afraid that attempts of trafficking of illegal immigrants from Turkey will become more frequent because of the good weather and calm seas," said spokesman for the Greek Coast Guard Nikos Langadianos on Skai TV. According to him, today Greek authorities have reacted quickly and all immigrants are in good health. The Turkish authorities have been informed and the refugees will be returned.

Meanwhile, the investigation of yesterday's tragedy again near the island of Samos is continuing. 36 people survived and 22 were killed in it. According to Greek authorities, the most likely cause of the tragedy was the overloading of the otherwise luxury yacht by which the shipwrecked passengers were travelling. The vessel is 12 metres long and can carry up to 15 people. However, about 60 people were on board, including children and women who travelled in the cabin. Most likely, the centre of gravity of the boat changed suddenly and it overturned. Passengers in the cabin just did not have a chance to escape – it immediately started filling with water and became an underwater coffin.

The police are still searching for the traffickers who organized the whole trip. The authorities do not exclude the possibility that they are among the 36 survivors but refuse to reveal their identity.

To be continued.

Tags: Samos illegal immigrants coastguard rescue operation traffic of immigrants from Turkey
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