THIS is the moment a dinghy full of migrants landed on a beach of stunned tourists in Greece as Europe’s immigration crisis continued to spiral out of control.
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The dinghy full of migrants arrived at a beach in Kos
Shocked sunbathers watched on in astonishment as the brazen migrants dragged the little dinghy up to the sand before disembarking and hugging each other in glee.
They then introduced themselves to Greek coast guard officers, to start off the process that will eventually see them register asylum claims with a European country.
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Stunned sunbathers watched on as the migrants disembarked
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The Greek island of Kos is buckling under the weight of migrant arrivals
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A swimming tourist spots the approaching migrants arriving
The number of migrants arriving at the country’s shores has rocketed by 750 per cent since last year at a time when the country is suffering political unrest and crushing economic chaos.
From there, they are flown to Athens after which many will attempt the long journey to western Europe and Britain.
REUTERS
The number of migrants arriving in Greece has rocketed by 750 per cent
REUTERS
Some of the migrants chose to leave the ramshackle dinghy and swim ashore
REUTERS
The migrants, mostly from Syria and Africa, were exhausted after the long trip
They appeared to be carrying almost no personal belongings, having likely been told to ditch them by smugglers who want to cram as many people into dangerous craft as possible to maximise their profits.
More than 2,000 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe have drowned already this year, with 200 perishing in the waters of Libya after a fishing boat capsized on Wednesday.
Italian authorities have charged five men with murder over the tragedy after they allegedly charged up to £1,160 for a spot on the doomed vessel.
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The migrants hugged before introducing themselves to Italian coastguard
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Many of the migrants are fleeing the war-torn middle east
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Many migrants arriving in Kos are sent to cramped detention centres
This week the United Nations (UN) sparked controversy after blaming European countries for the unprecedented number of migrants making the perilous journey.
As revealed by Express.co.uk, there is a serious lack of water, food, shelter, medical assistance and information for desperate migrants arriving on the islands, with children living in fear of being raped if they go to the bathroom in the night.
The UNCHR said the “vast majority” coming to Greece are from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq – all countries experiencing conflict or human rights violations.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has said the problem “surpasses” Greece’s abilities and has asked for EU help.
Vincent Cochetel, UNCHR’s director of the bureau for Europe, said: “This humanitarian emergency is happening in Europe, and requires an urgent Greek and European response.
“Such a level of suffering should and can be avoided.”
SOURCE: http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/597101/Europe-migrant-crisis-dinghy-Greece-Kos-holidaymakers-Britain