Greek trial of Kerry man on people smuggling charges hears of refugees crushed to death on boats

One witness told the court in Lesvos about lifting children's cold, limp bodies from those boats, not knowing if they were dead or alive

Seán Binder (centre) is one of 24 people charged with people smuggling, belonging to a criminal organisation and money laundering — three extremely serious felony charges that could result in 20-year prison sentences for the defendants. File photo: AP/Panagiotis Balaskas

Chaos had hit the beaches of Lesvos where 3,000 people, including children, many injured or hypothermic after near-lethal journeys at sea, could wash up in a single day in dire need of aid, the trial of a Kerry humanitarian on people smuggling charges heard.

What was unfolding on Greek beaches in 2018 was the biggest refugee crisis since World War II and humanitarians were trying to respond and save lives, the court in Lesvos heard.