In a video released by the Turkish institute of Public Diplomacy, a man on board a Greek coast guard vessel can be seen trying to puncture the life raft as it floats alongside the boat.
Later in the footage, the boat can be seen half sunk, with its desperate passengers scrambling to stay afloat.
The video was shot by the Turkish coast guard on November 12, according the Reuters. It is believed to have been seen by the head of the Greek coast guard, Vice Admiral Athanasios Athanasopoulos.
On board the raft were 58 souls, including women and children.
At present the number of Syrian migrants who have attempted the treacherous crossing to Greece has reached 650,000, with thousands drowning before making it to shore.
Greek authorities have now released a statement on the video, denying that they were trying to sink the vessel.
“The Headquarters of the Hellenic Coast Guard categorically denies reports in the foreign press and altered audiovisual material on a foreign website, according to which a vessel of the Hellenic Coast Guard is allegedly attempting to sink a boat with refugees,” read the statement.
The statement explained what was actually happening in the footage.
“A crew member is attempting to pull close to the side of a large rescue ship a small inflatable dinghy using a navy hook, while an adjacent vessel of the Turkish Coast Guard assists the rescue operation illuminating and facilitating all actions via floodlight.”