Aegean Boat Report hails groups supporting migrants

Aegean Boat Report has commended organisations providing support for people at the borders.

Aegean Boat Report is an organization  that monitors people’s movements in the Aegean Sea, advocates for human rights, serves as  a voice for people on the move, and  their rights.

The organization in its latest statement shared information about two boats carrying a total of 81 people which contacted Aegean Boat Report this morning(29.12.2023), “after they had arrived on Samos. Both groups didn’t want to inform authorities of their arrival, they feared that they would be illegally pushed back to Turkey if authorities found them, based on previous experiences with the Greek authorities.

“First group, reported to be 36 people, 12 of them children, arrived on Cape Prason, Samos north east, during the night, and started walking west in the dark. While walking they split up into two groups, everyone couldn’t walk in the same pace, especially the children. Both groups passed Zoodohos Pigi Monastery, and continued due west towards Vathy.

“Second group landed north west of Drakei, Samos north west before first light, the boat was reported to have carried 45 people, 15 of them children. The group had problems climbing up the steep cliffs from the rocky shoreline, but managed to reach higher ground, and finally, after many hours in rough terrain, finding a dirt track that led to a road.

“Both groups proved pictures, videos and location data that proved without a doubt that they were on Samos. We provided them with necessary information so that they themselves could reach out to local organizations and authorities. We unfortunately lost contact with both groups before they could confirm to us that they had made contact, but we were later informed that both groups had been found. Kudos to all of those who, on a daily basis, do their utmost to fend for the rights of people at our borders!”