Greek Coast Guard intercepts high‑speed boat with 15 Syrian nationals near Naxos

Early on Friday, June 12, the Greek Coast Guard carried out a wide‑scale pursuit of a high‑speed boat that was transporting 15 Syrian nationals, three men, four women and eight minors, together with a Greek and a Cypriot citizen. The operation spanned the sea area from southeast of Chios to the island of Keros, southeast of Naxos. The vessel, equipped with two powerful outboard engines, was detected moving at high speed from Turkish territorial waters toward the Greek coast. Under the coordination of the Coast Guard headquarters, seven patrol boats and a helicopter were dispatched. Despite repeated visual and acoustic signals, the boat accelerated to about 50 knots before being immobilised at the southeastern tip of Keros.

Upon boarding, authorities confirmed the passengers' identities and transferred all 17 individuals to a Coast Guard vessel, which then brought them safely to the port of Naxos. The seized boat is now under investigation by the Naxos Coast Guard directorate.