Thirteen Rescued After High-Cost Crossing from Turkey to Pserimos
A group of thirteen migrants was rescued on the small Greek island of Pserimos, highlighting the continued risk and high financial cost of irregular sea routes across the Aegean despite overall declines in arrivals.
Greek coast guard authorities rescued thirteen individuals, including seven minors, from the northern coast of Pserimos on September 16. According to reports, the group had been left on the island by a speedboat captain who subsequently fled back toward the Turkish coast. The rescued individuals were transported to the nearby port of Kalymnos for medical attention and processing.
Migrants told authorities that they departed from Turgutreis in Turkey and paid 7,500 euros per person for the journey. While this route is geographically short, it remains dangerous. As noted by GN geopolitics/migration (en-US), such incidents underscore the persistent appeal of the Aegean crossing despite significant shifts in broader migration patterns.
Shifting routes alter arrival patterns
Arrivals at small islands like Pserimos have historically been low compared to larger hubs like Kos. In recent years, overall sea arrivals in Greece have declined due to increased cooperation between the European Union and Turkey. Consequently, smugglers have increasingly shifted their operations to northern Libya, launching longer and more perilous journeys toward Crete and Gavdos.
This shift has resulted in fewer total arrivals but has increased the average duration and danger of the voyages. While the Turkish coast remains a departure point for some, the vast majority of new irregular crossings now originate from North Africa, exposing migrants to greater risks of death at sea.
Legal responsibilities in territorial waters
The Aegean Sea is largely considered Greek territorial water, meaning that once migrants enter these waters, responsibility falls to Greek authorities. This includes providing rescue, medical care, and access to the asylum process. Frontex also operates in these waters, though both agencies have faced accusations of pushbacks, a claim they generally deny.
The short distance between Turkey and the Greek islands means that interception does not typically result in return to Turkey. Instead, the legal framework mandates that those who reach these waters are processed within the EU system, creating a complex interplay of security, humanitarian, and legal obligations.
High costs persist for migrants
The financial barrier to entry remains significant. While some migrants report paying upwards of 30,000 euros for other routes, the 7,500 euro fee for the Pserimos crossing illustrates the steep price of irregular movement. These costs often exceed what migrants can afford, leading to precarious situations where individuals are abandoned or left in distress.
As authorities continue to monitor these routes, the focus remains on preventing loss of life while managing the flow of arrivals. The incident on Pserimos serves as a reminder that despite policy changes and increased patrols, the desire to cross the Aegean remains strong, driven by the search for safety and better opportunities in Europe.
