Seebrüecke seeks immediate end to brutal policy of sealing off borders

Seebrüecke International, an organization that wants safe passages and an end to civil sea rescue, has called for immediate end to the brutal policy of sealing off borders.

Seebrüecke International made the call following Aegean Boat Report reports of a pushback of 64 people from Greek waters into Turkish waters.

“The boat was stopped in Greek waters by three masked and armed men,” it said.

“According to those affected, the masked men boarded the boat, took the fleeing people’s phones, money and bags and destroyed the engine. As some managed to hide their mobile phones, they were then able to take pictures and videos and make a call for help.

“Once the masked men were on the boat, they were joined by a Greek coastguard boat. The Greek coastguard boat began to pull the boat with the fleeing people towards Turkish waters. There the boat was left to drift,”Seebrüecke said.

This, it said is a clear pushback, which was also well documented. “This practice is very dangerous! When pulling overcrowded boats, the boat can capsize and have fatal consequences.

“It is assumed that this practice also led to the shipwreck off Pylos, where several hundred people are still missing. Pushbacks are a brutal and inhumane practice to deprive people on the move of the opportunity to apply for asylum.

“No pushback is legal! We demand an immediate end to the brutal policy of sealing off borders!”