Greek Coast Guard

The Greek Coast Guard is the national coast guard service of Greece, responsible for enforcing maritime law, search and rescue operations, and border control within Greek territorial waters. They operate primarily in the Aegean Sea, a major route for migrants attempting to enter Europe. The organization is currently newsworthy due to several recent incidents involving migrant boats. One incident involved the reported deaths of 22 migrants, allegedly forced overboard by a smuggler after six days at sea. Another involved a collision between a Greek patrol vessel and a migrant boat near Chios, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. The exact circumstances of the collision remain unclear. These events highlight the challenges faced by the Greek Coast Guard in managing migration flows and ensuring safety at sea, while also raising questions about their operational procedures and the broader humanitarian crisis in the region.