Authorities said that a 39-year old migrant died after the Greek Coastguard opened fire at a vessel transporting migrants near the island of Symi, in the eastern Aegean.

The coastguard stated that the man "probably died from a bullet". It also said that shots were fired into the outboard motor of the boat to try and immobilise the vessel after it refused to stop despite warnings.

Unable to elaborate, a coastguard officer said that an investigation had been opened. Sources with knowledge of this investigation said that a Greek prosecutor ordered the arrest and confiscation of the weapon of the coastguard who fired the shots.

The coastguard reported that the boat carrying 14 migrants, eight men, one women and five minors, had illegally entered Greek waters after leaving Turkey's near shores.

The coastguard reported that when the boat was located by an armed patrol, it increased its speed and ignored warnings both visual and audible. The boat then made dangerous maneuvers and approached the coastguard vessel, putting lives at risk.

The coastguard stated that "warning shots" were fired in order to protect the vessel and crew from immediate danger, and then targeted shots were fired on the outboard motor to immobilise the speedboat.

The deceased migrant is believed to have been from Kuwait. Two men were arrested for suspected people smuggling.

Since 2015, when almost 1 million migrants and refugees landed in its islands, Greece has become a preferred gateway into the European Union. This caused a humanitarian crisis unprecedented. Many others died at sea. (Reporting and editing by Mark Heinrich, Yannis Souiotis and LefterisPapadimas)

(source: Reuters)