Greek authorities say 3 migrants injured as Aegean coastguards fire at people-smuggling vessel

by  Associated Press 3 migrants hurt as Greek coastguards fire at boat Associated Press - 6 March 2014 10:40-05:00

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek authorities say three people were injured when coastguards opened fire on a migrant-smuggling vessel that allegedly tried to ram their patrol boat.

A Merchant Marine Ministry statement says none of the three — two men and a woman — suffered life-threatening injuries. Their nationalities were not made public.

The plastic speedboat was carrying 16 immigrants, 13 of whom were out of sight in a cabin, and a Turkish smuggler, who was arrested.

Its master allegedly ignored commands to stop early Thursday off the eastern Aegean Sea islet of Oinousses and, according to the statement, repeatedly tried to ram the coastguard vessel.

The statement said that, following engagement rules, the coastguards first fired shots in the air and then at the speedboat's bows before it stopped.

News Topics: General news, Maritime accidents, Smuggling, Fires, Immigration, Shootings, Transportation accidents, Accidents, Accidents and disasters, Transportation, Crime, Social issues, Social affairs, Violent crime

People, Places and Companies: Greece, Western Europe, Europe

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