A video from Gavdos, Greece, showing locals pushing a migrant boat into deeper waters has gone viral, sparking intense debate online. The boat had arrived from the Libyan Sea near Sarakiniko beach.
Some viewers and media outlets suggested the beachgoers were refusing to help the migrants, but the footage shows no aggression. The migrants appear unharmed and do not react negatively to the push.
@alexanagn4 #gavdos2025 ♬ πρωτότυπος ήχος – alexanagn
Greek coast guard sources clarified that the locals acted to prevent the boat from getting stuck in the shallow waters, explaining that the area’s depth posed a risk to the vessel.
They emphasized that the boat’s intended destination was the nearby port and that it was accompanied by a Frontex patrol vessel monitoring the broader area.
The video comes amid a sudden surge in migrant arrivals from North Africa. According to official figures, since September 12 more than 880 people have landed on Crete. As a result, the number of migrants on the island has swelled to around 1,200, overwhelming local facilities. The Greek government has moved swiftly to respond to situation.
