Two dead, 10 missing during alleged push-back operation off Greek island

A fishing boat crammed with migrants capsized near Farmakonisi, a tiny Greek island in the Aegean Sea near Turkey in January 2014.

The boat was being towed by a coast guard vessel. The bodies of a woman and an 11-year-old boy were found. A further 10 people were missing, among them infants and children. Greek authorities later said that at least twelve migrants had drowned.

The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) reported that refugees attempting to cross the EU’s external borders with Turkey were systematically pushed back from Greek territorial waters, the Greek islands and from the land border.

Faced with mounting criticism over the tragedy Merchant Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis ordered a judicial probe into the incident on the 24 January 2014.

During an official visit to Athens European Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom described the drownings off the coast of Farmakonisi as 'a terrible loss of life' and said she was keen to see the results of an independent inquiry.

• Primary Source

BBC News, 22.01.14: Inquiry calls after migrants die under tow in Greece http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25843559

ESO: Background information: Athens vows to push for integrated migration policy http://www.europeansources.info/record/athens-vows-to-push-for-integrated-migration-policy/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on the regional impact of the Syria crisis http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-the-regional-impact-of-the-syria-crisis-commission-refugee-push-backs-are-illegal/

The Guardian, 27.01.14: Migrants saved in Greek boat accident mourn relatives – and dispute claims http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/27/greek-boat-tragedy-migrant-survivors-mourn-lost-relatives

Kathimerini, 03.02.14: Civil servants' union calls for probe into Farmakonisi drownings http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_03/02/2014_537029

Kathimerini, 03.02.14: Migrant drowns trying to reach Rhodes, seven rescued http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_03/02/2014_537026

Kathimerini, 31.01.14: Greek police detain dozens protesting boat deaths http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_30/01/2014_536942

Kathimerini, 24.01.14: Minister orders judicial probe into immigrant drownings http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_24/01/2014_536790

ESO: Background information: Italian navy rescues thousands of African migrants / Migrants rescued off Italy and Greece http://www.europeansources.info/record/italian-navy-rescues-thousands-of-african-migrants-migrants-rescued-off-italy-and-greece/

Website: European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) http://www.ecre.org/

Website: Pro Asyl http://www.proasyl.de/en/home/

Pro Asyl: Press Release, 12.01.14: 12 refugees die during alleged push-back operation off Greek island http://www.proasyl.de/en/press/press/news/12_refugees_die_during_alleged_push_back_operation_off_greek_island/

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