Twelve dead in Lesvos and Samos: Deaths at sea must not become the norm
Immediate investigation, preservation of evidence and protection of survivors
Twelve people have lost their lives so far in the two new deadly incidents in Lesvos and Samos. Another person is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit in Mytilene with severe craniocerebral injuries. Among the survivors, some have been injured and have fractures.
The incident in Lesvos, in particular, bears worrying similarities to the deadly incident in Chios in February 2026. At the same time, and only a few months ago, a Frontex report was published, which concluded that the dangerous manoeuvres of the Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG) put refugees’ lives at risk in the Lesvos shipwreck in April 2025. Once again, the critical question is what exactly happened at sea, and which operational actions or omissions in the rescue preceded the deaths and serious injuries.
This time, the collection, preservation and handover to the competent authorities of all available evidence must be ensured from the very first moment: camera recordings, VDR, navigation data and other systems of the vessels involved, communication logs and audio recordings of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), as well as any other relevant operational record. It is equally crucial to ensure the recovery and safekeeping of the boats carrying the refugees, as essential evidence.
Full preservation of the evidence is necessary so that the actual circumstances that led to the deaths of twelve people can be investigated independently, effectively and in depth. It is necessary so that survivors can be heard and, where responsibilities arise, so that there is actual accountability.
Every time we are faced with such a tragic incident, the public sphere is filled with statements about the indifference and criminal responsibilities of smugglers. The responsibilities of an organised state and of the European Union are left out. The protection of human life at sea cannot give way to any objective. The two incidents confirm that the policies of Greece and the EU, which focus on deterrence instead of rescuing refugees, lead with mathematical precision to more deaths.
The existence of safe and legal routes for refugees and the provision of international protection are the way to protect human lives and to eliminate smuggling networks.
At this moment, the basics come first: survivors must be ensured adequate and dignified reception and accommodation conditions, full medical care, meaningful psychosocial support and independent legal support, as well as unhindered access to the asylum procedure for those who wish to request international protection.
RSA (Refugee Support Aegean) has repeatedly stood alongside survivors of deadly incidents at sea and the families of those who lost their lives. We have provided legal and humanitarian support and assisted in the procedures for the identification and burial of the dead, which resulted in the ECtHR judgments of conviction in favour of the refugees.
We will do the same now. We will stand alongside the people who survived and the families of the dead. We will insist on the delivery of justice.
