Oinousses: Shots and three injured in immigrants chase

According to the official announcement of the Coast Guard, last Thursday morning, in the sea near Oinousses, a attempt of arresting Turkish trafficker was made. The boat in question was carrying illegal immigrants who seemed to be part of organized smuggling. The patrol boat was contacted by a military watchtower in the region and initiated a high-speed chase from the Turkish coast towards Oinousses. It was spotted immediately by Turkish smugglers on the borderline, but tried to immobilize it with whistles and constant warning signals.

However, the Turkish commander didn’t cooperate and tried to escape with dangerous maneuvers, which caused the same reaction from the Coast Guard. During the course of the operation, by following the rules of engagement, the Coast Guard tried to preserve their physical integrity by initially throwing warning shots in the air from portable weapons, but the smuggler intensified his efforts and the next shots were aimed at back side the speedboat.

Eventually, the patrol boat was able to approach the smuggler and then the men of the Coast Guard boarded the other boat. They immediately arrested the Turkish trafficker, while at the same time found 13 illegal immigrants that the cabin, of which three people, two men and one woman, were injured. The three wounded were taken to a hospital and the trafficker was arrested at the port of Chios. None of the lives of the injured seemed to be in danger.

The Coast Guard returned to the sea area and received the remaining occupants of the speedboat, leading them to the port of Chios, in order for authorities to take further action. The investigation is conducted by the Port Authority, at the behest of the Attorney of Chios, while the Chief of the Coast Guard, Vice Admiral L.S.-EL.AKT. Athanasios Athanasopoulos has already informed the Admiralty Court about the incident.