Greek Coast Guard Intercepts Smuggling Boat and Rescues Sailors in Separate Incidents

On June 29, a Greek Coast Guard patrol boat pursued a high‑speed vessel heading for the eastern coast of Agathonisi after it ignored signal commands. The boat was forced aground at the rocky area “Tholos,” where 32 migrants were disembarked. The passengers, who each paid €1,500 for the journey, were taken to a detention centre on Samos. Police identified and arrested the 46‑year‑old Iranian operator of the boat on charges of illegal entry, human‑trafficking and non‑compliance with coast guard orders.

A day later, a sailing yacht sank about five nautical miles west of Kefalonia. Two foreign passengers were safely transferred to a rescue launch and then to a private boat that took them to shore under the escort of a coast guard patrol vessel. Both passengers were reported to be in good health. Authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking.

Both incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Greek maritime authorities in dealing with illegal migration and maritime safety in the Aegean and Ionian seas.