The Refugee Rescue team greeted the sunrise today on the water. As the first rays of light brought warmth to our faces, we spotted a two-story refugee boat carrying 177 people. Our captain beelined for the ship at top speed. As we arrived, only a lonely fisherman was trying to help guide the refugees to a safe landing spot. Unfortunately, they were headed straight for the rocks and extreme danger.
Crashing into the rocks would have certainly resulted in injuries amongst many other hazards, including drownings. There are no roads that connect to the zone we were at, so help would have been far off.
Charlie - Captain, Ritchie - Communications, Me - Spotter
With hand signals, our voices, and teamwork with another rescue boat, we were able to redirect the boat in the nick of time towards a small bay. As the boat turned at top speed, we watched the entire boat tip - our hearts sank and we urged the refugees to sit down.
At this point, we are not sure if engines failed, or they realized they needed help landing, or the boat driver was the smuggler (possibilities are endless), because their captain left the cockpit and the boat no longer moved.
Working with another crew, we tied our tow lines to the bow of the boat and began our way to the harbor. After about 20 minutes, they Hellenic Coast Guard barreled in and demanded we untie our ropes, allowing them to tow the boat and take responsibility. The Refugees desperately asked us, "Are you going to leave us? Please don't!" We reassured them that we were with them until they reached land safely.
As we neared the docks, it was clear they needed help, as the Coast Guard boat is quite large. Brilliantly, our skipper, Charlie, drove up to the Coast Guard and asked if we could help by attaching a tow line to the back of the ship to slow them down. In a frenzy, the Coast Guard agreed.
Captain Charlie works with CG
We slowly inched towards the stern of the refugee boat. Working with the passengers, we tied on to the back of their boat and kept them from gaining too much speed. Meanwhile, a smaller vessel towed the boat forward, two other rescue boats used their noses to position the boat, and fishermen on the shore used ropes to pull the boat safely on to the dock. It was truly incredible to be a part of and to witness - a smooth landing.
Richie Sharing water with thirsty Refugees
Richie, Charlie, and I made our way to shore and shared handshakes, hugs, kisses, and lots of love with the 177 refugees from different countries that walked by. Some of them had attempted the crossing 4 times, and others a few. Everyone seemed relieved and grateful to be safely on the shore, dry and in good hands.
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