According to sources, the man, possibly of Turkish nationality, had dropped off 7 irregular migrants at the coastal resort of Psalidi, on the island of Kos. Setting off toward Turkey, his boat was spotted by Greek Cost Guard vessel. When he refused to comply with the Greek authorities stop signal, the officers fired warning shots in the air. One of the shots ricocheted and hit the smuggler.

A coroner on the island was to determine the cause of his death.