Between March 28 and April 5, no fewer than five boats sank in the Mediterranean, carrying migrants trying to reach Greece or Italy. At least 180 people died trying to reach Europe in just over a week. What are Europeans’ responsibilities in this regard?
This week’s fatal collision between a Greek coast guard vessel and a migrant boat off the island of Chios has once again brought European maritime enforcement practices under scrutiny, raising questions about accountability and balance between border control and the protection of human life at sea.
Greek authorities are facing criticism for launching an interception operation rather than a rescue mission for migrants stranded on a raft near a Greek island, after more than a dozen people were killed when their vessel collided with a high-speed patrol boat.