Aegean Boat Report

New Arrivals on Lesvos At 03.00, a group reported to be 21 people contacted Aegean Boat Report for assistance after arriving east of Ag. Varvara on the southern coast of Lesvos. The group provided pictures, videos, and location data confirming their presence on Lesvos. No serious medical issues were reported. After arrival, the group quickly moved up into the surrounding hills to hide, afraid of what could happen if they were found by local authorities. We advised the group not to hide, but instead try to move towards more populated areas where they could be found and transported to camp. We also advised them to inform local authorities and organisations of their presence on the island. The group later found shelter in the chapel of Saint Simeon, located on a dirt track not far from their arrival location. Most of the group stayed there until first light, while a smaller group of five moved further north because they did not feel safe remaining at the chapel. According to people in the group, local organisations and authorities were informed at first light. At 07.30, we lost all contact with the group across multiple phones, most likely because authorities arrived and they were told to switch off their phones. We have so far not been able to confirm that the group has been transported to the Closed Controlled Access Centre in Mavrovouni, but assume they have either already been transferred or are on their way there. The number of people in the group has not been officially confirmed. ⸻ Despite the massive pressure on our organisation and the lack of sustainable funding, our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence when authorities fail to protect those seeking safety. If you want to help us continue this work and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report through our fundraiser: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

One Dead in Attempted Crossing to Kos Yesterday at approximately 01:00, a boat carrying 24 people ended up in distress after departing from the coast of Bodrum, Turkey. The boat was heading towards the Greek island of Kos when it started taking in water in the Aegean Sea. The Turkish Coast Guard was informed, and a rescue vessel was immediately dispatched to the area. Upon arrival, the Turkish Coast Guard rescued 23 people from the boat and recovered the body of one person from the sea. One of the survivors was reported to be seriously injured and was rushed to hospital in Bodrum. Their current condition remains unknown. There is so far no confirmed information regarding the nationality, gender, or age of those rescued, injured, or deceased in this shipwreck. Once again, another deadly incident in the Aegean highlights the dangers people face attempting to reach safety in Europe.

Today, the Norwegian Court of Appeal unanimously rejected the European Arrest Warrant issued by Greek authorities against Aegean Boat Report founder Tommy Olsen. The court concluded that the acts described by Greek authorities do not constitute criminal offences under Norwegian law, and further found a real risk of violation of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights — the right to freedom of expression. The ruling goes far beyond a technical rejection of an extradition request. The Norwegian Court of Appeal relied on findings from the European Court of Human Rights, United Nations Special Rapporteurs, and EU Rule of Law reports documenting serious concerns about pushbacks in Greece and the targeting of human rights defenders working with refugees. The court further recognized that the activities described by Greek authorities — documenting abuses, receiving information, communicating with refugees, and assisting asylum procedures — are protected activities under international law and freedom of expression. This is not only an important personal victory for Tommy Olsen. It is also an important decision for journalists, human rights defenders, humanitarian workers, and everyone documenting abuses at Europe’s borders. For years, individuals and organisations working with refugees in Greece have faced intimidation, surveillance, criminal investigations, and abusive prosecutions designed to silence criticism and stop documentation of human rights violations. The ruling from Hålogaland Court of Appeal sends a clear and serious message: Humanitarian work is not human smuggling. Documenting human rights violations is not a crime. Freedom of expression and the rule of law still matter in Europe. The court’s decision is also a reminder that criminal law cannot be used as a weapon against those exposing unlawful pushbacks, violence, and abuse against people on the move in the Aegean Sea. Despite years of pressure, investigations, threats, and attempts to silence our work, Aegean Boat Report will continue documenting what is happening at Europe’s borders. We will not stop.

New Arrivals on Lesvos At first light, a group reported to be 41 people contacted Aegean Boat Report for assistance after having arrived east of Ag. Varvara, on the southern coast of Lesvos. The group provided pictures, videos, and location data confirming their presence on Lesvos. No medical issues were reported from the group. The group had moved quickly up into the surrounding hills to hide, afraid of what could happen to them if found by local authorities. We advised the group not to hide, and instead try to move towards more populated areas where they could be found and transported to camp. We also advised them to inform local authorities and organisations of their presence on the island. After some persuasion, the group agreed to come out of hiding and started walking towards the village of Ag. Varvara. They also agreed to inform local organisations. The group later informed us that they had stopped at a small chapel they found along the road (Saint Simone). There they were located by MSF and provided with food and water. After some time, local police arrived and the group was transported to the Closed Controlled Access Centre in Mavrovouni. The number of people in the group has not been officially confirmed. ⸻ Despite the massive attack on our organisation, and the lack of sustainable funding, our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence when authorities fail to protect those seeking safety. If you want to help us continue this work and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report through our fundraiser: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

New Arrivals on Samos In the early hours of today, a group reported to be 14 people contacted Aegean Boat Report for assistance after arriving on Avlakia Beach, on the northern shore of Samos. The group provided pictures, videos, and location data confirming their presence on Samos. No medical issues were reported. After arriving, the group split up and fled into the surrounding hills to hide, afraid of being found by local authorities and what might happen to them. The larger group of 11 people moved east towards Tsamadou, while the smaller group of 3 people stayed behind in hiding. We normally advise groups to come out of hiding and instead move towards more populated areas, where they can be more easily located. We also advise groups to contact local authorities and organisations to inform them of their presence. After some persuasion, the smaller group agreed to come out of hiding and started walking towards the nearest village. From their location, the closest village was Vourliotes. The group of 11 was located by local police shortly after they started walking along the main road eastward, while the smaller group was located in the village of Vourliotes at 11.15. We have been informed that all members of the group have been transferred to the Closed Controlled Access Centre in Zervou. The number of people in the group has not yet been officially confirmed. ⸻ Despite the massive attack on our organisation, and despite the lack of sustainable funding, our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence when authorities fail to protect those seeking safety. If you want to help us continue this work, and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report through our fundraiser: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

THEY WANT THE AEGEAN TO GO SILENT For years, Aegean Boat Report has been one of the few independent organisations documenting what is happening in the Aegean Sea. Thousands of distress calls answered. Thousands of people documented. Pushbacks, disappearances and deaths authorities denied or tried to hide. While Europe looked away, we continued. But now the pressure against our organisation is beginning to have the effect those targeting us wanted. Donations to Aegean Boat Report have dropped by 65%. Not because the situation in the Aegean improved. Not because the violations stopped. Not because people stopped dying at Europe’s borders. But because years of criminalisation, attacks and pressure against our organisation are isolating us financially. After years of targeting by Greek authorities, the founder of Aegean Boat Report, Tommy Olsen, is now facing extradition proceedings in Norway under a European arrest warrant issued by Greece. The appeal hearing will take place on June 10. The consequences are already visible. Foundations hesitate. Supporters become uncertain. Funding disappears. This is how independent organisations are silenced. Not always through convictions. But through exhaustion, fear, pressure and financial isolation. And while this happens, one of the last independent sources documenting Europe’s deadliest border is at risk of disappearing. If Aegean Boat Report goes dark, the Aegean becomes darker with it. No independent witnesses. No documentation. No evidence. No accountability. Only silence remains. If you believe independent monitoring and documentation matters, this is the moment to act. ⸻ We are still here — but struggling to continue. If you want us to keep answering calls for help, exposing illegal pushbacks, and protecting the rights of people on the move, please support us. 💙 Monthly Support: 👉 whydonate.com/en/fundraising… 💙 One-time Donation (PayPal): 👉 paypal.com/donate/?hosted… 💙Bank Details for donations: 👉Bank: DNB BIC(SWIFT): DNBANOKKXXX IBAN: NO8015061628980 A/C for international payments: NO80 1506 1628 980 Bankadresse: DNB Postboks 1600 Sentrum 0021 Oslo Thank you for your support. Aegean Boat Report

Aegean Boat Report – Monthly Update (April 2026) In April 2026, arrivals to the Greek Aegean islands slightly increased compared to March, while interceptions at sea and illegal pushbacks remained a defining feature of border enforcement in the region. A total of 485 people arrived on the Greek islands on 18 boats, while 39 boats carrying 783 people were stopped or rescued by the Turkish Coast Guard before reaching Greek territory or after being pushed back by Greek authorities. Compared to March: • 📈 Arrivals increased by 11.2 % • 📈 Arriving boats increased by 5.9 % • 📉 Transfers to the mainland decreased by 31.7 % (582 people relocated) Demographics on the islands this month: Men 46 %, Women 23 %, Children 31 % ⸻ Arrivals by Island Of the 18 boats officially registered in April: • Lesvos: 3 boats — 78 people • Samos: 5 boats — 119 people • Chios: 2 boats — 80 people • Kos: 1 boat — 23 people • Leros: 0 boats — 0 people • Other islands and smaller islets: 7 boats — 185 people ⸻ Pushbacks In April, Aegean Boat Report documented 5 pushback cases in the Aegean Sea, involving 122 men, women and children who attempted to reach safety in Europe but were forcibly returned. One documented case involved the use of a life raft after people were intercepted at sea and abandoned by Greek authorities. The use of life rafts to carry out pushbacks in the Aegean is well documented, with people left drifting at sea without means of navigation. In previous months, a percentage of those recovered by Turkish authorities had already been pushed back by Greek authorities, pointing to a continued pattern despite fluctuations in recorded cases. ⸻ Population on the Islands By the end of April, 3,603 people remained on the Greek islands, down from 7,346 one year ago, representing a 51 % decrease. Official island capacity: 14,843 people Current population: 11,240 below capacity Breakdown by island: • Lesvos: 627 • Samos: 1,238 • Chios: 422 • Kos: 541 • Leros: 770 • Other islands: 5 In the last 12 months, 5,352 people have been pushed back by Greek authorities. The Greek government continues to reduce arrivals not through protection or policy, but through illegal pushbacks of people attempting to cross from Turkey in small rubber boats. ⸻ Why This Matters This is not just about numbers. Behind every statistic is a person who attempted to reach safety — and was either allowed to enter a legal process, or prevented from doing so. What happens at Europe’s borders today defines what kind of system exists tomorrow. When people are stopped at sea, denied access to asylum procedures, or forced back without due process, it is not migration policy — it is the erosion of fundamental rights. These are not isolated incidents. They form a consistent pattern. Without independent monitoring, there is no transparency. Without transparency, there is no accountability. And without accountability, these practices continue. ⸻ Our work continues around the clock to document human rights violations, monitor people in distress, and provide independent evidence when authorities fail to protect those seeking safety. If you want to help us continue this work and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report through our fundraiser: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

Weekly Update – Week 18 (Apr 27 – May 03) This week, 17 boats carrying 304 people attempted to reach the Greek Aegean Islands. • 🚫 10 boats were stopped/pushed back — 142 people intercepted • ✅ 7 boats arrived — 162 people were officially registered on the islands • Several pushbacks were documented during the week ⸻ Of all boats that attempted the journey: ✅ 41.2% reached Greece 🚫 58.8% were intercepted — either pushed back by Greek authorities or stopped by the Turkish Coast Guard ⸻ 📈 Arrivals increased by 110.4% compared to last week 📈 The number of arriving boats increased from 4 last week to 7 this week 📈 Departures increased from 9 boats last week to 17 boats this week 📉 Transfers to the mainland decreased by 43.7% (80 people relocated) 👥 Official island population: 3,607 people ⸻ So far in 2026: • 🚤 170 boats have been stopped by Turkish and Greek authorities • 👥 4,115 people have been intercepted at sea • 🏝️ 2,844 people have been registered on the Greek islands on 97 boats ⸻ Many of these numbers should have been significantly higher if not for the continued use of pushbacks by the Hellenic Coast Guard — a practice that violates international law and continues to put lives at risk. ⸻ Island overview – registered population: • Lesvos: 627 • Chios: 422 • Samos: 1,239 • Leros: 770 • Kos: 541 • Other islands: 8 ⸻ 📊 For more detailed statistics: 🌐 aegeanboatreport.com – ABR Statistics ⸻ Our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence from the Aegean Sea. If you want us to continue answering distress calls and holding authorities accountable, please consider supporting our work: 💙 Support Aegean Boat Report 👉 whydonate.com/nl/fundraising…

One Killed After Fatal Pushback South of Lesvos Shortly before midnight last night, Aegean Boat Report received an emergency call from a boat in distress in the border area south of Lesvos. The boat was reported to be carrying 45 people. The group told us they had been violently pushed back by the Hellenic Coast Guard. According to the survivors, the coast guard destroyed the engine, damaged the rubber boat during the attack, and left them helplessly drifting at sea while the boat started taking in water. The Turkish Coast Guard was immediately informed, and several rescue vessels together with a helicopter were dispatched to the area. When rescue teams arrived, they found a semi-submerged rubber boat. 44 people were rescued from the boat itself, 4 people were pulled from the sea, and one person was found dead. At this stage, we have no confirmed information about the nationality, gender, or age of the people involved. Another person is dead in the Aegean Sea after an alleged violent pushback operation by the Hellenic Coast Guard. And once again, there will most likely be no independent investigation, no accountability, and no consequences. This is not an isolated incident. It is the result of a systematic policy that has been allowed to continue for years in full view of Europe. People are dying at Europe’s borders again and again. The evidence is overwhelming. Europe knows exactly what is happening in the Aegean Sea — and still it continues. We are tired of reporting deaths. Tired of documenting the same crimes. Tired of watching people disappear into the sea while European leaders look away. How many more people need to die before this ends?

Europe knows. These images prove it. Not rumours. Not “activist claims”. Not isolated incidents. Investigations. Court rulings. Autopsy reports. Frontex findings. Official documents. Dead children. Destroyed boats. The evidence has been overwhelming for years. People are intercepted at sea. Pushed back illegally. Abandoned in life rafts. Forced into the water. Killed during violent interceptions. And still it continues. Not because Europe does not know. But because Europe has decided these crimes are politically acceptable. That is the real scandal. Not only the violence itself — but the complete absence of accountability. A Frontex Serious Incident Report now concludes that the actions of a Greek Coast Guard crew off Lesvos likely violated the right to life after a patrol vessel allegedly circled and attacked a small inflatable carrying 31 people. Seven people died, including a child. At the same time, Frontex confirms that cameras are systematically not used during operations at sea. How convenient. No footage. No accountability. No consequences. And while those responsible continue operating with impunity, those exposing these crimes are increasingly targeted, criminalised and threatened into silence. This is the message Europe sends to the world: Violence at the border will be tolerated. Documenting it will not. How many more people need to die before accountability becomes unavoidable? How many more children need to disappear into the Aegean Sea before Europe stops pretending not to see what is happening? Because this is no longer about lack of evidence. Europe sees it. Europe knows. And Europe allows it to continue.

Frontex confirms: Greek Coast Guard actions likely violated the right to life For years, survivors have spoken about violence at sea. For years, Aegean Boat Report has documented it. They were ignored. Now Frontex confirms it, again. In a Serious Incident Report into a deadly operation on 3 April 2025 off Lesvos, Frontex’s Fundamental Rights Officer concludes that the actions of the Greek Coast Guard crew “likely violated the migrants’ right to life.” The EU’s own border agency is pointing directly at the Greek Coast Guard. The facts are not unclear: • 31 people from Syria and Afghanistan on a small inflatable • A Greek patrol vessel circles the boat twice at close range • Survivors report the boat is attacked with sticks or even a “harpoon” • The hull is torn open • People are thrown into the sea • Seven people die, including a child And still, the response is denial. Greek authorities claim the boat was already sinking. Frontex does not support that version. Instead, it states clearly that the dangerous maneuvers of the Coast Guard crew are likely responsible for the deaths. And it doesn’t stop there: • Greek authorities refused to answer key questions • Frontex calls for strict sanctions at all levels of command • Investigations lead nowhere • No real accountability follows This is not a failure of information. This is a failure of will. It is what happens when violence at sea is tolerated, covered up, and repeated. The same pattern appears again and again. On 3 February 2026 off Chios, at least 15 people died after a collision with a Greek patrol vessel. Survivors describe a sudden approach with a blinding spotlight before impact. Autopsies show severe head and brain injuries. At the same time, Frontex confirms: • Cameras are systematically not used during these operations • Investigations into the Coast Guard lead nowhere The truth is now undeniable: Those responsible for violence at sea walk free. While at the same time, those who document it are being targeted, criminalised, and threatened into silence. This is the real scandal. Not just what is happening in the Aegean — but how it is allowed to continue. The pattern is clear: People die. Authorities deny. Evidence disappears. No one is held accountable. And the focus shifts — away from those responsible — towards those exposing it. This is how impunity is protected. Now even the EU’s own watchdog confirms what has been happening. And still—nothing changes. nd-aktuell.de/artikel/119947…

New Arrivals on Samos In the early hours of today, a group reported to be 39 people contacted Aegean Boat Report for assistance after arriving on the northeastern shore of Samos. The group provided pictures, videos, and location data confirming their presence on the island. No serious medical issues were reported. After landing, the group moved into the surrounding hills to hide, fearing being found by local authorities and what might happen to them. We advised the group to come out of hiding and move towards a more populated area, where they could be more easily located. They were also advised to contact local authorities and organisations to inform them of their presence on Samos. It was still dark, and the group feared being located and illegally removed from the island under the cover of darkness. They therefore chose to remain hidden until first light and not alert anyone. At first light, we again advised the group to come out of hiding. After some persuasion, they agreed and began walking southwest towards the village of Kamara. At 10:00, the group had reached Kamara and local authorities were informed. Shortly afterwards, we lost all contact with the group on multiple phones—most likely after they had been located by authorities and instructed to turn off their phones. We assume the group has been transferred to the Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) in Zervou. The number of people in the group has not yet been officially confirmed. ⸻ Despite the massive attack on our organisation, and the lack of sustainable funding, our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence when authorities fail to protect those seeking safety. If you want to help us continue this work and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report through our fundraiser: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

They Want Us Gone. And It’s Working. Aegean Boat Report has spent years exposing what European authorities deny exists. Illegal pushbacks. People beaten, abandoned at sea, forced into life rafts and left drifting. Not rumours. Not politics. Evidence. That is why we are being targeted. Greek authorities are not pursuing justice — they are trying to eliminate us. Relentless harassment. Criminalisation. And now a European Arrest Warrant against the founder of Aegean Boat Report. This is what happens when you document too well. You become the problem. And it’s working. Funding is disappearing. Donors are stepping back. Organisations are afraid to be associated with us. Not because the work is wrong — but because telling the truth has become a liability. Let that sink in: Exposing human rights violations at Europe’s borders is now something people are afraid to support. Meanwhile, nothing has changed. People are still risking their lives crossing the Aegean. Pushbacks continue. Violence continues. The only thing that’s changing is this: The people documenting it are being removed. If Aegean Boat Report is forced to shut down, there will be no independent monitoring left. No one documenting in real time. No one verifying what actually happens at sea. And that is exactly the point. No witnesses. No evidence. No accountability. A silent border is a violent border. We are now on the edge of running out of funds. Not in the future. Now. So this is the reality: Either this work is supported — or it disappears. If you think what we do matters, prove it. 👉 whydonate.com/fundraising/th… Because once we are gone, that silence will not be accidental. It will be by design.

New Arrivals on Chios and Samos In the early hours of today, a group reported to be 18 people contacted Aegean Boat Report for assistance after arriving north of Gridia, on the southeastern shore of Chios. The group provided pictures, videos, and location data confirming their presence on the island. After arrival, the group fled into the surrounding hills to hide, afraid of being found by local authorities and what might happen to them. One of the children in the group is disabled and had to be carried, severely limiting their ability to move over longer distances. We advised the group to move towards nearby dirt tracks to increase the chances of being located. Local authorities were informed. It took more than three hours before the group was located, shortly after first light. At the same time, we lost contact with the group across multiple phones. We were later informed that the group had been transported to the Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) in Vial. ⸻ At first light, another group—reported to be 19 people—made contact after arriving on Cape Prason, on the eastern tip of Samos. The group provided pictures, videos, and location data confirming their presence on the island. After arrival, they split into two groups. A group of 15 people started walking west, while a smaller group of 4 people remained behind due to serious medical issues. We attempted to alert local authorities about the medical situation. Initially, they were unwilling to take the information. It took over an hour and multiple attempts before they agreed to even register the details. This is not the first time local police in Greece have responded in an unprofessional or hostile manner when we try to report new arrivals. In situations involving medical emergencies, such delays can cost lives. The group of 15 was located near the monastery of Zoodohos Pigi around 09:00 and later transported to the CCAC in Zervou. The remaining 4 injured individuals lost contact with us at 11:30. At that time, no rescue had arrived. We have made repeated attempts to confirm their status, but so far have been unable to verify what happened to them. This does not mean they were not rescued—we assume they were—but due to a public holiday in Greece (Orthodox Pentecost Monday), access to information is limited. The number of people in both groups has not been officially confirmed. ⸻ Despite the ongoing pressure on our organisation and the continued lack of sustainable funding, our work continues around the clock—monitoring people in distress, documenting human rights violations, and providing independent evidence when authorities fail to act. If you want to help us continue this work and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

New Arrivals on Psara In the early hours of today, a group reported to be 14 people contacted Aegean Boat Report for assistance after having arrived on the northwestern shore of the Greek island of Psara. The group provided pictures, videos, and location data confirming their presence on the island. Approximately 400 people live on Psara. There are no organisations on the island to assist new arrivals — only local police and coast guard. We advised the group to call 112 and inform authorities of their presence, since this was the only way for them to get help. Due to previous negative experiences with Greek authorities, they refused, afraid of what might happen if they were located in the dark. Instead, the group agreed to walk to the only town on the island, the port of Psara, on the opposite side of the island. We monitored their movement, but unfortunately lost all contact with the group on the outskirts of Psara town at 03.00. We assume that the group was found by local authorities and told to turn off their phones. So far, there has been no official confirmation from Greek authorities of their arrival on Psara. Hopefully, the group was located and will later today be transported to the Closed Controlled Access Centre in Vial, Chios. The number of people in the group has not been officially confirmed. ⸻ Despite the massive attack on our organisation, and the lack of sustainable funding, our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence when authorities fail to protect those seeking safety. If you want to help us continue this work and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report through our fundraiser: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

Weekly Update – Week 17 (Apr 20 – Apr 26) This week, 9 boats carrying 229 people attempted to reach the Greek Aegean Islands. • 🚫 5 boats were stopped/pushed back — 152 people intercepted • ✅ 4 boats arrived — 77 people were officially registered on the islands • Several pushbacks were documented during the week ⸻ Of all boats that attempted the journey: ✅ 44.4% reached Greece 🚫 55.6% were intercepted — either pushed back by Greek authorities or stopped by the Turkish Coast Guard ⸻ 📉 Arrivals decreased by 64.8% compared to last week 📉 The number of arriving boats decreased from 6 last week to 4 this week 📉 Departures decreased from 20 boats last week to 9 boats this week 📉 Transfers to the mainland decreased by 11.8% (142 people relocated) 👥 Official island population: 3,677 people ⸻ ⸻ So far in 2026: • 🚤 160 boats have been stopped by Turkish and Greek authorities • 👥 3,973 people have been intercepted at sea • 🏝️ 2,682 people have been registered on the Greek islands on 90 boats ⸻ Many of these numbers should have been significantly higher if not for the continued use of pushbacks by the Hellenic Coast Guard — a practice that violates international law and continues to put lives at risk. ⸻ ⸻ Island overview – registered population: • Lesvos: 644 • Chios: 401 • Samos: 1,251 • Leros: 799 • Kos: 576 • Other islands: 6 ⸻ 📊 For more detailed statistics: 🌐 aegeanboatreport.com – ABR Statistics ⸻ Our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence from the Aegean Sea. If you want us to continue answering distress calls and holding authorities accountable, please consider supporting our work: 💙 Support Aegean Boat Report 👉 whydonate.com/nl/fundraising…

Weekly Update – Week 16 (Apr 13 – Apr 19) This week, 20 boats carrying 493 people attempted to reach the Greek Aegean Islands. • 🚫 14 boats were stopped/pushed back — 274 people intercepted • ✅ 6 boats arrived — 219 people were officially registered on the islands • Several pushbacks were documented during the week Of all boats that attempted the journey: ✅ 30% reached Greece 🚫 70% were intercepted — either pushed back by Greek authorities or stopped by the Turkish Coast Guard 📈 Arrivals increased by 606.5% compared to last week 📈 The number of boats arriving increased from 2 last week to 6 this week 📈 Departures increased from 8 boats last week to 20 boats this week 📈 Transfers to the mainland increased by 18.4% (161 people relocated) 👥 Official island population: 3,753 people ⸻ So far in 2026: • 🚤 155 boats have been stopped by Turkish and Greek authorities • 👥 3,821 people have been intercepted at sea • 🏝️ 2,605 people have been registered on the Greek islands on 86 boats Many of these numbers should have been significantly higher if not for the continued use of pushbacks by the Hellenic Coast Guard — a practice that violates international law and continues to put lives at risk. ⸻ Island overview – registered population: • Lesvos: 718 • Chios: 410 • Samos: 1,140 • Leros: 824 • Kos: 656 • Other islands: 5 ⸻ 📊 For more detailed statistics: 🌐 aegeanboatreport.com – ABR Statistics ⸻ Our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence from the Aegean Sea. If you want us to continue answering distress calls and holding authorities accountable, please consider supporting our work: 💙 Support Aegean Boat Report 👉 whydonate.com/nl/fundraising… Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

New Arrivals on Samos This morning at 07.14, a group reported to be 19 people — 6 men, 8 women and 5 children — contacted Aegean Boat Report for assistance after arriving on Mykali Beach, on the southeastern coast of Samos. The group provided pictures, videos and location data confirming their presence on the island. They were hiding in the woods, afraid of what might happen to them if found by the Greek authorities. We managed to persuade them to come out of hiding and instead start walking towards the village of Psili Ammos. Local authorities had already been informed of their presence by the Greek coast guard, who had been chasing them towards land. As far as we know, police located the group at 10.30. At the same time, we lost all contact with them. So far, we have not been able to confirm that the group has been transported to the Closed Controlled Access Centre in Zervou, but we assume this is the case. The number of people in the group has not been officially confirmed. ⸻ Despite the massive attack on our organisation, and the lack of sustainable funding, our work continues around the clock to monitor people in distress, document human rights violations, and provide independent evidence when authorities fail to protect those seeking safety. If you want to help us continue this work and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report through our fundraiser: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report

Aegean Boat Report – Monthly Update (March 2026) In March 2026, arrivals to the Greek Aegean islands continued to decrease, while interceptions at sea and illegal pushbacks remained a defining feature of border enforcement in the region. A total of 436 people arrived on the Greek islands on 17 boats, while 41 boats carrying 1,028 people were stopped or rescued by the Turkish Coast Guard before reaching Greek territory or after being pushed back by Greek authorities. Compared to February: • 📉 Arrivals decreased by 40.8 % • 📉 Arriving boats decreased by 32 % • 📈 Transfers to the mainland increased by 44.9 % (852 people relocated) Demographics on the islands this month: Men 46 %, Women 23 %, Children 31 % ⸻ Arrivals by Island Of the 17 boats officially registered in March: • Lesvos: 5 boats — 58 people • Samos: 3 boats — 92 people • Chios: 2 boats — 52 people • Kos: 3 boats — 67 people • Leros: 0 boats — 28 people • Other islands and smaller islets: 4 boats — 167 people ⸻ Pushbacks In March, Aegean Boat Report documented 8 pushback cases in the Aegean Sea, involving 236 men, women and children who attempted to reach safety in Europe but were forcibly returned. No cases involving the use of life rafts were documented this month. However, this does not indicate a change in practice. The use of life rafts to carry out pushbacks in the Aegean is well documented, with people left drifting at sea without means of navigation. In previous months, a percentage of those recovered by Turkish authorities had already been pushed back by Greek authorities, pointing to a continued pattern despite fluctuations in recorded cases. ⸻ Population on the Islands By the end of March, 4,254 people remained on the Greek islands, down from 8,552 one year ago, representing a 50.26 % decrease. Official island capacity: 14,843 people Current population: 10,589 below capacity Breakdown by island: • Lesvos: 813 • Samos: 1,206 • Chios: 458 • Kos: 881 • Leros: 895 • Other islands: 1 In the last 12 months, 5,407 people have been pushed back by Greek authorities. The Greek government continues to reduce arrivals not through protection or policy, but through illegal pushbacks of people attempting to cross from Turkey in small rubber boats. ⸻ Why This Matters This is not just about numbers. Behind every statistic is a person who attempted to reach safety — and was either allowed to enter a legal process, or prevented from doing so. What happens at Europe’s borders today defines what kind of system exists tomorrow. When people are stopped at sea, denied access to asylum procedures, or forced back without due process, it is not migration policy — it is the erosion of fundamental rights. These are not isolated incidents. They form a consistent pattern. Without independent monitoring, there is no transparency. Without transparency, there is no accountability. And without accountability, these practices continue. ⸻ Our work continues around the clock to document human rights violations, monitor people in distress, and provide independent evidence when authorities fail to protect those seeking safety. If you want to help us continue this work and stand with people on the move, please consider supporting Aegean Boat Report through our fundraiser: 🔗 WhyDonate whydonate.com/fundraising/th… 💙 Thank you for standing with us. Aegean Boat Report