Greece accused of pushing migrants into sea: Eyewitness reports

BBC reached out to individuals who claim to have witnessed migrants being pushed into the water by the Greek coast guard. Over 40 people are said to have fallen victim to this practice over the past three years. Evidence includes not only witness accounts but also recordings.

BBC collected accounts from individuals who witnessed this shocking practice. Greek coast guard officials allegedly threw migrants wanting to cross into Greece from Turkey into the water. Journalists spoke with African migrants about their personal experiences.

Data gathered from reports by non-governmental organizations, the Turkish Coast Guard, and local media indicates that between 2020 and 2023, there have been 15 such incidents. As a result, 43 people died.

BBC quotes some witness accounts. Migrants described being chased by authorities as they reached Greek islands. In five instances, they said they were thrown directly into the sea. In others, they were provided with damaged rafts and dinghies.

They started with the [other] Cameroonian. They threw him in the water. The Ivorian man said: ‘Save me, I don’t want to die… and then eventually only his hand was above water, and his body was below. - describes a man from Cameroon.

He claims he was beaten and thrown into the water with two other men. They did not survive; their bodies were found on the Turkish coast. A Somali individual provided another account. He described being captured on the island of Chios by soldiers and then handed over to the coast guard. He said his hands were tied behind his back, and then he was thrown into the water. - They wanted me to die - he testified. He managed to save himself by freeing one hand from the bindings while floating on his back.

Mohamed from Syria says he was traveling by boat with over 80 other people when suddenly its engine stopped working. They called for help from the Greek coast guard. They were taken onto a boat and provided with dinghies with faulty valves.

The first child who died was my cousin's son… After that it was one by one. Another child, another child, then my cousin himself disappeared. By the morning seven or eight children had died. My kids didn't die until the morning… right before the Turkish coastguard arrived - the Syrian added.

BBC reminds us that according to the law, migrants can seek asylum in designated centers, but Greek authorities intercept them before reaching them. It has been estimated that thousands of asylum seekers in Europe have been illegally forced back from Greece to Turkey. They were denied the right to seek asylum, stipulated in international and EU law.

Journalists accessed recordings showing that guards engaged in illegal pushbacks. Roma van Baarsen, an investigative journalist, connected with one of the guards through a dating app. He admitted that pushbacks occur with the minister's approval.

BBC reminds us that Greece has long been accused of the illegal practice of pushing migrants out of the country. Journalists showed the recordings to a former, long-time guard. After watching them, he stated that such actions are illegal and against international law.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs responded, stating that the matter is being reviewed. The Greek coast guard also responded to journalists' questions. They stated that their officials work "tirelessly with the utmost professionalism, a strong sense of responsibility and respect for human life and fundamental rights." They also added that they fully comply with the country's international obligations.

In 2023 alone, 263,048 people arrived in Europe by sea, of which 41,561 entered Greece. The local coast guard reminded that in the last nine years, they have rescued 250,834 people in connection with 6,161 maritime incidents.