MOAS rescues shipwrecked Syrians on Greek island of Agathonisi

Early yesterday morning 35 refugees endured five hours in heavy seas only to end up shipwrecked on the jagged rocks of a remote Aegean island called Agathonisi (pop. 100). Local fishermen were the first to find them and alerted the Hellenic Coast Guard. The 60-metre MOAS ship Responder was launched by the joint rescue coordination centre Piraeus to conduct search and rescue operations.

The MOAS fast-rescue boat was guided by fishermen who took the team to a rudimentary shack where the wet, bleeding refugees huddled. One baby boy had drowned and 10 people were injured by the violent impact on the sharp rocks. A three-month old infant boy was severely hypothermic and was stabilized.

The Malta-base MOAS then coordinated with local NGOs on the island, together with the two local fishermen, three French medical staff from Médecins Sans Frontières as well MOAS’ onboard volunteers from CISOM and the ERRC (Emergency Response Rescue Corps). The Swedish Sea Rescue Society also assisted, while a quayside restaurant participated in the rescue by sheltering a number of the refugees.

After treatment, and processing by Greek authorities, the wounded and deceased were transferred to the Responder and brought to Pythagoria, the southern port on the island of Samos. MOAS was met by the Hellenic Coast Guard, Greek police and the coroner. Although movement of refugees from Turkey has been reduced by freezing windy conditions, the high seas and numbing cold have not stopped refugees from making the five-hour crossing.

“Nothing can prepare you for the horrific reality of what is going on. Today we came face to face with one of the youngest victims of this ongoing refugee crisis. It is a tragic reminder of the thousands of people who have died trying to reach safety in miserable conditions,” said founder Christopher Catrambone.

“The light in all of this