Reconnaissance: Kos – Samos – Chios – Lesvos

Most migrants crossing Mediterranean Sea from Turkey to one of Greek Islands. Usually they choose Lesvos, Chios, Kos, or Rhodos because the close distance and best chances to get to the other side of the sea. However, weather conditions in this area can often be very dangerous for unseaworthy boats and dinghies.

 Reconnaissance cruise between Kos, Samos, Chios and Lesvos islands

A reconnaissance is always our first action in all the search & rescue missions.

We were looking for answers for the simplest but very important questions: like what’s going on at sea? How many people need help daily? Are there enough rescue vessels? Why exactly migrants are drowning? How we can rescue people in distress according to local law? With whom we should cooperate with to be sure our work is well organised and most efficient?

Most important facts from the reconnaissance:

• There are not enough vessels to help people everyday – it’s hard to find small pontoons on the vast sea, or to know when to expect them – people try to reach the Greek shore irregularly, in both good and bad weather, and very often get lost on their way.
• We can rescue any people on the sea legally; our yachts were added to official rescue vessels list;
• Even small boats, if well organised and with proper crew, can save lives at sea!

Photograph: Santi Palacios/AP, published in The Guardian

Join our reconnaissance missions

If you want to help us in our reconnaissance missions and help us gather all the legal and technical information in certain subjects, feel welcome to join our team on the way or from your house. Reconnaissance missions are very important for maintaining a well working cooperation between local organisations and NGOs; and for any further search and rescue actions.

‘I have seen many NGOs and individuals coming without official registration and showing no cooperation with our municipality,’ – says the Lesbos mayor, Spyros Galinos.

We are aware of this common mistake and avoid it in all our actions. It’s always worth to spend some time on proper organisation to not cause any unnecessary confusion or chaos.

Check also:

• Lesvos volunteers
• Open Arms – Lifeguard Sea Rescue (NGO)
• Refugees in Lesbos: are there too many NGOs on the island?
• Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei Meets Refugees on Greek Island of Lesvos