Video shows Greek coast guard trying to sink Syrian refugee boat

(Web Desk) – A shocking video released by the Turkish Institute of Public Diplomacy shows a Greek coast guard deliberately trying to sink an inflatable raft brimming with Syrian refugees in the Aegean Sea.

The video shot by the Turkish coast guard shows a small boat carrying atleast 60 people on board screaming for help.

It was seen in the footage that the coast guard was holding a long pole or lance which he strike on the raft when the refugees came alongside the vessel.

The refugees desperately tried to keep the pole away from the boat in order to save themselves from drowning but the coastguard kept on hitting the raft.

Later the refugees were seen in a half-sunken raft waving hands to Turkish coast guards and waiting to be rescued.

As the vessel started to sink, the Greek boat sailed away, leaving the Turkish coastguard to rescue the drowning refugees. They were then taken back to the Turkish port city of Didim, the starting point for many trying to cross the Aegean into Europe.

In a message to his Greek counterpart, Commander Rear Admiral Hakan Ustem of the Turkish coastguard said: “We would be very pleased if you order your team to refrain from such acts.”

The Turkish daily, Hurriyet, reported that officials said Greek commander Athanasios Athanasopulos was “shocked” upon seeing the footage, and vowed to take action.