Lesbos: Turkish Prisoner Escapes from Ship – 4 Police Officers Detained

Four police officers have been detained after a Turkish prisoner escaped from a passenger ship in the area between Chios and Oinousses. The prisoner, who was handcuffed, jumped into the sea.

The prisoner was arrested on July 7, 2025, by the Lesbos Port Authorities for migrant smuggling and was being transferred from Korydallos Prison to Mytilene. According to reports, the detained officers include three special guards and one deputy officer.

The incident occurred when the prisoner, while guarded and sleeping on the floor of the ship, suddenly got up and ran towards the deck. A citizen opened the door to the deck, facilitating the prisoner's escape into the sea.

The ship's captain stopped the engines and initiated a search, involving vessels of the Coast Guard, but the prisoner was not found.