Migrant smugglers, in this case Turks, are apparently getting bolder in their choice of Aegean destinations, with one migrant-laden vessel located southeast of the large island of Evia on Thursday.

Ninety-five migrants hailing – based on their statements – from Iraq, Syria and the Kurdish areas of southeast Turkey, claimed the Turkish smugglers charged $4,000 from each to transport them to Italy, with an additional 2,500 to keep families together!

The entire group of irregular/illegal/undocumented etc. migrants / refugees / third country nationals was again rescued by the Greek coast guard in the Cavo d’oro (Kafireas) strait between Evia and the island of Andros, the most treacherous crossing in the Aegean. They were taken to the eastern Attica harbour town of Rafina.

Local authorities were mobilized to feed and house the group in a local gymnasium.