Capsized while towing? Serious accusations against the Greek coastguard after the boat drama Excrement in drinking water: Now the danger of cholera comes to the flooded areas

78 – this is the number of fatalities confirmed so far in the boat accident off the coast of Greece. But these are just the bodies found so far. It’s more likely about 500 dead people – maybe even more.

And what is especially sad: Among the victims are a large number of children. According to reports, as many as 100 may have died on the ship.

Doctors at the hospital in Kalamata, where most of the survivors have been taken, told the BBC that there were 50 to 100 children. Apparently they were all below deck. They were probably stuck.

Relatives arrive

Relatives of the missing persons arrived at the port of Kalamata from other European countries on Thursday. They tried to learn more about the fate of their loved ones through authorities and survivors, reporters on the scene said.

One man told the BBC: “My relatives were on the boat.” He traveled from the UK to find out more. There is no trace of four family members. “We have received confirmation that one of the relatives has been found.”

rescue failed

Meanwhile, the role of the Greek Coast Guard remains controversial. According to the authorities, the ship in question has been approached several times and assistance has been offered. But this was denied. The captain indicated that he wanted to continue to Italy.

Then – early Wednesday morning and about 100 kilometers off the Greek coast – the engine cut out. Unrest broke out on board, people started to move. Apparently there were also physical altercations and disputes over water.

The coastguard was present several hours after receiving the distress call and tried to tow the ship, reports former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. However, this went wrong because the tugboat did not know how to properly fasten the life rope. The Coast Guard ship then went too fast and the refugee ship began to rock and sank. However, Tsipras’ version has not been officially confirmed.

Smugglers arrested

But there is also news in the countryside. The Greek Coast Guard arrested nine survivors. They would have acted as smugglers. As the state radio (ERT) reported on Thursday evening, the Egyptian men are accused, among other things, of forming a criminal organization. They must be brought before the public prosecutor of the port city of Kalamata. This will decide how to proceed, it said.

Countless people protested against the EU’s migration policy. In the evening there were demonstrations in the capital Athens and in the port city of Thessaloniki. “The EU is killing people,” said banners, as reported by local reporters.

The Greek Communist Party (KKE) and several left-wing student and trade union organizations, as well as extra-parliamentary left parties, had called for the protests.

(aeg/sda/dpa)