Palestinian Father and Son Swim Seven Hours from Turkey to Greek Island Kos

A 52-year-old Palestinian man and his 23-year-old son from the Gaza Strip successfully swam from the Turkish coast near Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos. According to Aegean Boat Report, which monitors migrant and asylum seeker movements, the pair swam continuously for about seven hours across the Aegean Sea, covering roughly eight kilometers, much of it in complete darkness and challenging sea conditions. They reached the shore early in the morning, exhausted and dehydrated.

The father and son, residents of Khan Younis, explained that they had previously been transferred to Egypt for medical treatment during the height of the Gaza conflict. Afterward, they traveled to Turkey and decided to attempt the unusual sea crossing to Greece. They had no advanced navigation or marine equipment, relying only on a pair of fins and inflatable floats.

Family members lost contact with them during the swim and feared they had drowned, but the two later contacted their relatives to confirm their safe arrival. Fearing interaction with immigration authorities, they initially hid near the shore but were later located by Aegean Boat Report staff and guided to a safe area to await assistance. Another migrant monitoring group called on Greek authorities to provide urgent medical care. Local police reportedly found them, but no official updates on their condition or transfer to medical or detention facilities have been released.

This case is considered exceptional due to the direct swim over such a long distance in the Aegean Sea, where most migrant crossings are by boat. The story has resonated widely on social media, especially among Palestinian communities in Europe and the Arab world, with many expressing admiration and concern for the risks involved. Some commentators noted the high cost and dangers migrants face trying to reach Europe, while others praised the father and son’s determination and survival.