Greece plans to build sea barrier off Lesbos to deter migrants

Migrants arrive on a raft on to a beach on the Greek island of Lesbos. Photograph: Yannis Behrakis/Reuters

The Greek government has announced it will build a floating barrier to deter thousands of people from making sea journeys from Turkey to Aegean islands on Europe’s periphery, according to The Guardian.

The administration unveiled the measure last week, following its pledge to take a tougher stance on undocumented migrants accessing the country.

The 2.7km-long netted barrier will be erected off Lesbos. The bulwark will rise from pylons 50 metres above water and will be equipped with flashing lights to demarcate Greece’s sea borders.

Greece’s defence minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, told Skai radio: “In Evros, natural barriers had relative [good] results in containing flows,” referring to the barbed wire topped fence that Greece built along its northern land border with Turkey in 2012 to deter asylum seekers. “We believe a similar result can be had with these floating barriers. We are trying to find solutions to reduce flows.”

Amnesty International opposed the plan, warning it would enhance the dangers asylum-seekers and refugees encountered as they attempted to seek safety.

“This proposal marks an alarming escalation in the Greek government’s ongoing efforts to make it as difficult as possible for asylum-seekers and refugees to arrive on its shores,” said Massimo Moratti, the group’s Research Director for Europe. “The plan raises serious issues about rescuers’ ability to continue providing life-saving assistance to people attempting the dangerous sea crossing to Lesbos. The government must urgently clarify the operational details and necessary safeguards to ensure that this system does not cost further lives.”

It is proposed that the barrier will be in place by the end of April after an invitation by the Greek defence ministry for private contractors to submit offers.

The project is expected to cost €500,000 (£421,000). Officials said it will be built by the military, but with “non-military specifications” to ensure international maritime standards. The fence could extend 13-15km, with more parts being added if the initial pilot is deemed successful.

“There will be a test run probably on land first for technological reasons,” said one official, according to The Guardian.

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