Photojournalism nominee

This photo essay is a recent portrait of the dire conditions of primarily Syrian and Afghan refugees — struggling at sea against corrupt smugglers, dilapidated rafts, gas shortages, and now frigid waves — as they attempt to land in Lesbos. With wars ravaging Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, not even the changing seasons can deter the tens of thousands of desperate refugees making their way to Europe. As temperatures cool, families continue risk their lives at sea, boarding makeshift boats on the perilous journey from Turkey to Greece.
They make a deal for 30 persons onboard and then smugglers force them to jump on board until they’re more than 50-55, sometime 60 persons. Of course when they arrive, the boats are full of water and the engine often it’s not working properly or the fuel is not enough. Often the boats are voluntarily damaged by the smugglers to increase the fear.
For these reasons, I’m still thinking if we could consider them castaways as well as just refugees sailing in extreme conditions.

Gianluca Panella is an award-winning independent photojournalist focused on social reportage, current affairs, and portraits. He has traveled to the Balkans, Egypt, Haiti, Lebanon, South Sudan, Kiribati, Morocco, the United States, Europe, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. His photography has been featured in a variety of Italian and international publications. He is a 2014 World Press Photo Award winner.
Among his works, “Gaza’s Fishing Under Fire” was shortlisted for Amnesty International’s 2014 Media Awards. “First Day” and “Parkour Strip,” won honorable mentions at the 2013 International Photography Awards, “Gjakmarrje” earned him two honorable mentions at the 2012 International Photo Awards, and “The Concordia Show” was awarded an honorable mention at the 2012 International Photo Awards and the Foto8 Summershow. He was a finalist for the Leica Award 2013 and the Leica Talent 2012. His exhibitions have included “Caliber 3” at the 2013 Festival of Ethical Photography and The “Concordia Show” at the “A World Elsewhere” with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is a member of Italy’s National Order of Journalists since 2004.