Watch The Med Alarm Phone Investigations – 12th of January 2024
Case name: 2024_01_12-EASTERN MED - 013
Situation: 20 people stranded on Chios, found by police
Status of WTM Investigation: Concluded

Place of Incident: Eastern Med

Summary of the Case:

In the morning of the 12th of January, Alarm Phone was contacted by a worried relative, alerting us to a group of 20 people in distress after arriving on Chios island in Greece. We called the group, who told us that they were freezing and were scared about being pushed back by Greek authorities.
At 10:54 CET, we sent an email with the group's location and names to the responsible authorities and UNHCR.
At 14:13 CET, we called the Chios Port Authority and they told us to call the police department. When we called the Police Department on the number the Port Authority gave us, the officer told us to call the Port Authority.
When we called the Port Authority again at 14:45 CET, they finally shared the information that the group had been found by the police and brought to a "safe place". When we asked where exactly, they told us to call the police (who did not have any information when we called them).
We could not establish direct contact with the group again and hope that they have safely arrived at a reception and identification center.