More Than 30 People Stopped from Boarding Ferry Without Tickets on Leros

A disturbance occurred at Agia Marina harbour on Leros when a group of more than 30 migrants, reported to be Bangladeshi nationals, attempted to board a Superfast Ferries vessel without tickets shortly before departure, according to information obtained by Leros News.

The same information indicated that the people had not returned to the island's reception facility and had gone to the vessel without the required travel documents or tickets.

Leros Port Authority officers responded immediately, identified the group and removed them from the vessel before the situation escalated.

Passengers witnessed the unexpected incident, which caused concern and delayed activity both on board and within the harbour area.

The incident took place shortly before the start of the tourist season, prompting concern about the impression created for visitors arriving on or leaving the island.

According to Leros News, the head of the reception facility, Filio Kyprizoglou, intervened although she was away from Leros for personal reasons. She immediately mobilised staff and requested a complete record of the names of those involved so that the required procedures could be followed.

Ms Kyprizoglou was expected to return to Leros immediately and meet coastguard and police officials to examine what had happened and consider how to prevent a similar incident.

Mayor Timotheos Kottakis also reacted strongly. According to information available at the time, he contacted the migration minister and the responsible secretary-general and requested immediate measures.

We respect all migrants living on our island in decent conditions, but we will not allow anyone to create scenes that cause disruption and harm Leros, Mr Kottakis told Leros News.

The incident raised questions about how such a large group did not return to the facility in time and was able to reach the harbour.

The relevant authorities were placed on alert. According to the same information, sanctions were expected for those involved under the rules governing the reception facility.

Most passengers responded positively to the immediate action of Port Authority officers and the ship's crew, whose intervention helped prevent a more difficult and potentially dangerous development.

Read more from Leros News in English.