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We Will Try Again" Says Migrants Having Faced Death Off Aegean Waters
In Aegean resort of Bodrum, around 120 illegal migrants from various nations carried by six different boats escaped death on early August 10, after having set sail despite the severe weather conditions. The groups having sailed in different hours, were all caught in the storm or drifted with the current because of engine breakdown of their boats. Having departed off the Ortakent and Turgutreis neighbourhoods, the boats have left between 03.00 and 06.30 a.m., attempting to cross into Greek islands of Kos and Kilimli, in eight miles distance to Bodrum.
In Aegean resort of Bodrum, around 120 illegal migrants from various nations carried by six different boats escaped death on early August 10, after having set sail despite the severe weather conditions.
The groups having sailed in different hours, were all caught in the storm or drifted with the current because of engine breakdown of their boats. Having departed off the Ortakent and Turgutreis neighbourhoods, the boats have left between 03.00 and 06.30 a.m., attempting to cross into Greek islands of Kos and Kilimli, in eight miles distance to Bodrum.
One of the groups consisting of 14 people of Pakistani origin managed to swim and land over Turkey's Çatalada, while the remaining three boats carrying 55 migrants were rescued by security coast guard. In two other boats, 51 migrants reportedly managed to reach over Greek islands.
"It's been two years in Turkey, and this was my fourth attempt to cross into Greece. We couldn't control the boat when the weather conditions suddenly changed in the open sea, then we swam ashore to survive. What can we do? We will have to try again…" said 32-year-old Karani Nawal of Pakistani origin, who had survived with a lifejacket after the boat took on water.
Sweda Holabi, another migrant told that she has suspended her journey after she has witnessed the inhuman conditions on the boat. 33-year-old Holabi, married and mother of two children said that the organizers were claiming to carry 80 people in a seven-meters-long boat.
"We wanted to cross into Italy with my husband and two children. We have paid 500 euro per child, and 1000 euro per adult. However after 45 people boarded, the boat was already full. The organizer, claiming his name was Vasfi, insisted that all those people could fit in the boat. We gave up, 30 of us and didn't want to face death with our eyes open. We are sad after having been fooled by organizers but we are happy to have survived" added Holabi.
On the other hand, 51 migrants who managed to land over Greek island of Kos were captured by Greek coast guard, one mile off the island. The migrants detained off the Aegean were brought to the Kos island by Greek security officials. Also, nine different boats that had blown out were found by gendarmerie teams.
Coast guards keep patrolling off the sea in the region, said local reports.
(Photo) - Muğla
