Athens calls on Turkey to stop migrant boats after accidents

Greek Migration Minister, Notis Mitarakis, has called on Turkey to put a stop to migrants trying to leave its shores.

This came after at least two fatal boat accidents in the past 24 hours.

“Urgent call to take immediate action to prevent all irregular departures due to harsh weather conditions,” Mitarakis tweeted.

Mitarakis said: “Already today many lives lost in the Aegean, people are drowning in unseaworthy vessels. EU must act.”

Greek officials said at least 19 people died in two migrant boat accidents overnight.

Greek Maritime Affairs Minister, Loannis Plakiotakis said in statement: “Once again, Turkey’s tolerance for unscrupulous people-smuggler gangs has cost lives.”