Like many others in his country and around the world in a similar situation, Pinteris first saw this crisis as an invasion. However, he now knows that these women and children are just trying to survive, so he wants to help them. And many people also have changed their opinion about refugees. "After having experienced what we have this year, with women and children in the water screaming for help, many people's world views have changed," Pinteris says."We never know what the day will be like. It's really difficult. There's a lot of stress. When you're the only fisherman around and there are people in the water everywhere around you, you panic," he says.
A 45-year-old Greek fisherman, Kostas Pinteris, has saved Syrian refugees in the sea. Many of them traveled on the Mediterranean Sea towards Lesbos, Greece for safety. When there were too many refugees in the sea, European coastguards asked fishermen to find sinking boats with refugees and wait for the coastguard boats to save them. Soon, Lesbos became an international rescue center headed by these fishermen. "I didn't carry any nets on the boat during the peak time of the migration crisis," says Pinteris. "I had to put people on the boat. I can't say I'm a hero because I helped save people. I simply extended my hand. They also have a right to live. But I'm more sad for the young children. They can't understand what's going on. At least the grown-ups choose to make the crossing, but not these young children." Like many others in his country and around the world in a similar situation, Pinteris first saw this crisis as an invasion. However, he now knows that these women and children are just trying to survive, so he wants to help them. And many people also have changed their opinion about refugees. "After having experienced what we have this year, with women and children in the water screaming for help, many people's world views have changed," Pinteris says."We never know what the day will be like. It's really difficult. There's a lot of stress. When you're the only fisherman around and there are people in the water everywhere around you, you panic," he says. to read more click the link below: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/08/greece-fishermen-lesbos-saving-refugee-lives-160804091028172.html
2 Comments
11/10/2016 12:35:19 pm
It amazes me at how a simple fisherman can save lives. This should serve as a wake up call to all people. If a fisherman whose income is probably just enough to raise his own family, is willing to save refugees, why can't we? We, as part of this world as human beings, should do our best to work together as one race. Never give up an opportunity to help others out.
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5/22/2017 02:00:05 pm
We cannot imagine what you experienced during this time. However, you managed to save a large number of people due to your self-control.
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