At Least 15 Dead After Migrant Boat Collides With Greek Coast Guard Near Chios

Post by : Saif Nasser

At least 15 people have died after a speedboat carrying migrants crashed into a Greek coast guard patrol vessel near the eastern Aegean island of Chios. The accident happened late Tuesday night and led to a large rescue operation as authorities searched for survivors and possible missing passengers.

Greek officials said the bodies of 14 people were pulled from the sea shortly after the collision. They included 11 men and three women. One woman who was rescued alive later died in hospital, raising the death toll to at least 15. The total number of people on board the migrant boat is still unknown, which has caused fears that more victims could be missing.

Rescue teams worked through the night in difficult conditions. Four coast guard patrol boats, a military   , and a private vessel carrying divers were sent to the area. A total of 25 migrants were rescued, including about 11 children. All survivors were taken to a hospital on Chios for treatment. Two coast guard officers were also injured during the incident.

Local media footage showed emergency workers carrying injured people wrapped in blankets from boats at the port. Children were helped to safety, some appearing injured and shaken by the event. Blue emergency lights filled the port as ambulances rushed the wounded to hospital.

Authorities have not yet explained how the collision occurred. An official investigation is expected to examine whether speed, poor visibility, or other factors played a role in the crash.

Hospital staff on Chios were placed on emergency alert following the incident. Health officials said doctors and nurses were prepared for a sudden rise in patients, and several of the injured required surgery due to serious injuries.

Greece remains a key entry point into the European Union for people fleeing war, poverty, and hardship in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Many migrants attempt the short but dangerous journey from the Turkish coast to Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. These crossings are often made at night in fast, overcrowded boats, increasing the risk of accidents.

Despite increased patrols and stricter migration rules in recent years, deadly sea accidents continue to happen. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about migration policies and safety at sea. Across Europe, migration remains a sensitive issue, with governments tightening laws and reducing the number of asylum seekers allowed to stay.

As rescue efforts continue near Chios, the tragedy has once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by migrants and the urgent need for safer solutions to prevent further loss of life in the Aegean Sea.