A clampdown on Europe's eastern borders and the Aegean Sea has forced migrants to seek different — and more dangerous — routes. Along Greece's northeast rim, an elusive marshland of a river marks the country's border with Turkey. Its endless swathes of sand dunes, swamps and reed beds have made it an attractive crossing for destitute refugees.
It's not clear how many make it across. But last year alone, officials from Frontex, the EU's border agency, said they intercepted 5,500 illegal crossings. During that same period, Turkish authorities told the United Nations they had intercept nearly 21,000 people, more than triple the numbers reported the previous year.
It's not clear how many make it across. But last year alone, officials from Frontex, the EU's border agency, said they intercepted 5,500 illegal crossings. During that same period, Turkish authorities told the United Nations they had intercept nearly 21,000 people, more than triple the numbers reported the previous year.
Whatever the number, experts warn that the seemingly easy crossings are turning perilous. Dead bodies are increasingly washing up.
"It's not one, two or five," says Nikos Xanthopoulos, a local fisherman. "I have lost count of the dead bodies I have seen drifting down the river, washing up on the banks or flushing out into the Aegean Sea."
In the past year, locals say, dozens of bodies have been found in hunters' sheds, half-eaten by wild dogs and other animals. Wet, cold, tired and lost, other victims have been hit by trains; their bodies found along nearby train tracks.
Authorities say most of the victims are Syrians. But Turkish nationals now represent the second-highest nationality making the crossings, fleeing the iron-first rule of the government of President Tayyip Recep Erdogan.
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