Dozens of Syrian refugees who were stranded on a small Greek river island after trying to enter the country from Turkey have finally been transported to a camp, British journalist Lindsey Hilsum reported on Monday.
On Friday, 12 August, a member of the refugee group named Baida reached out to Hilsum, Channel 4’s international editor, through voice and video recordings to plead for help.
Thirty-nine refugees were stranded on a small island on the Evros, a river which runs along the Greek-Turkish border, Baida said, adding that her group had completely run out of food and water.
Baida called the small island a “hell on earth” where two children had been stung by scorpions, leaving one dead and another in critical condition.
“I am afraid that she will become a corpse and leave us forever today,” Baida said of the sick child. “Please help me to save her. I am tired we do not have time.”
Refugees on the river island said Greek soldiers had beaten them, adding that their group had been divided as a result of an attack by Turkish soldiers according to Mezopotamya News Agency (MA).
On Monday, Hilsum tweeted a new video sent by Baida after her group reached the Greek side of the Evros. The refugees had been able to cross the river after passing Afghan refugees gave them an inflatable boat, Hilsum said.
Later on Monday, Hilsum tweeted that Baida’s group had been provided with food and water and transported to a camp.
