At least fifteen migrants have died following a collision between a speedboat carrying migrants and a Greek coast guard patrol vessel off the eastern Aegean island of Chios, according to authorities. The incident occurred late on , and a search and rescue operation remains underway for potentially missing passengers.
The Greek coast guard initially reported fourteen deaths, but confirmed on , that one of the injured women had died in hospital, bringing the total death toll to at least fifteen. The bodies recovered from the sea include eleven men and three women. Twenty-five migrants, including approximately eleven children, were rescued and transported to a hospital on Chios, alongside two injured coast guard officers.
According to the coast guard, a pursuit was in progress at the time of the collision. The speedboat was reportedly making “dangerous maneuvers” when it collided with the coast guard vessel in the Chios Strait, near the village of Vrontades. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are still under investigation.
The search and rescue operation involves four patrol vessels, an air force helicopter, and a private boat carrying divers. Authorities have not yet determined the total number of people who were on board the speedboat.
Witnesses estimate that between thirty and thirty-five people were on board the vessel. The nationality of the migrants remains unconfirmed.
Greece: A Gateway to Europe
Greece has long served as a primary entry point into Europe for migrants and refugees originating from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The country experienced a significant influx of migrants during the 2015-2016 European migration crisis, with nearly one million people landing on its islands, including Chios, from neighboring Turkey.
In recent years, the number of arrivals has decreased, and the Greek government has implemented stricter border controls, including the construction of fences and increased sea patrols. Since 2019, the center-right government has reinforced these measures.
Concerns Over Migrant Treatment
Greece has faced scrutiny regarding its treatment of migrants and refugees attempting to reach its shores by sea. A previous incident in 2023, where hundreds of migrants perished, sparked controversy and allegations that the Greek coast guard attempted to tow a trawler carrying migrants, contributing to its sinking. The details of that incident remain contested.
The latest collision raises further questions about the tactics employed by Greek authorities in managing migration flows and the safety of migrants attempting the perilous journey across the Aegean Sea. A coast guard official stated that they spotted a dinghy transporting migrants towards Chios and ordered them to turn back, alleging that the smugglers then “maneuvered toward the coast guard vessel causing a collision.” Reuters was unable to independently verify the details of the collision.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Greece in balancing border security with humanitarian obligations. The Aegean Sea remains a dangerous route for migrants, with frequent reports of overcrowded vessels and harsh weather conditions. The vulnerability of those attempting the crossing is highlighted by this latest tragedy.
The search and rescue operation continues as authorities attempt to locate any remaining survivors. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about migration policies in Greece and the European Union, and the responsibility of member states to protect the lives of those seeking refuge within their borders.
