Evros: 91 migrants incl 34 children stranded on an islet

Greek authorities on Sunday rescued a total of 91 people stranded on an islet in Evros river. it is the second large group that stranded in the area in the last 3 days.

According to police, a group of “migrants were brought to Greek territory by a smuggler who transported them from the opposite shore (Turkey) by boat and abandoned them on the islet.

Among the rescued migrants are 32 men, 25 women and 34 children.

According to police, the migrants, who are in good health, were given clothes, food and first aid and were transferred to pre-removal detention centers in Orestiada, north-eastern Greece.

“Greece has contacted the Turkish government regarding the coordination of the border authorities and the prevention of illegal crossings,” the press office of caretaker Prime Minister Ioannis Sarmas said on Sunday.

According to the same announcement, in the last day the low water level in Evros river favors the illegal crossings of migrants with the use of islets that belong to either the Greek or the Turkish territory.

Last Friday a total of 135 migrants including 53 children were reportedly pushed by Turkish authorities into an islet of the Evros river and managed to cross it on foot due to low level of the water.

Greek authorities are on alert in the area fearing in influx of migrants.