A devastating maritime incident has unfolded in the eastern Aegean Sea, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries. A collision between a Greek coastguard patrol vessel and a speedboat carrying migrants occurred off the coast of the island of Chios, leading to at least 14 fatalities, according to official statements from the coastguard.
Search and Rescue Operation Underway
In response to the tragedy, a comprehensive search and rescue operation has been launched. This effort involves four patrol vessels, an air force helicopter, and a private boat equipped with divers, all working to locate any potential missing passengers from the migrant vessel. The coastguard has emphasised that the exact number of individuals aboard the speedboat remains unclear at this stage.
Survivors and Injuries
Following the collision, 24 people were successfully rescued from the water and transported to a hospital on Chios for medical treatment. Additionally, two coastguard officers sustained injuries in the incident and were also taken to the same hospital. It is not yet specified how many of the survivors required hospitalisation due to injuries, as details continue to emerge.
Video footage captured by a local news outlet depicted the aftermath, showing at least one person being carried in a blanket from a coastguard boat to a waiting vehicle with flashing blue lights. The footage also appeared to show children being led towards the car, highlighting the human impact of this event.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Collision
The Greek coastguard has stated that further information on the precise cause of the collision is not immediately available. Additionally, the identities of the casualties and other passengers on the migrant speedboat have not been disclosed, pending ongoing investigations and notifications to families.
Context of Migration in Greece
Greece serves as a primary entry point into the European Union for individuals fleeing conflict, poverty, and persecution in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Fatal accidents during these perilous journeys are unfortunately common, with many attempting the short but dangerous crossing from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands in the Aegean Sea.
In recent years, increased patrols by Greek authorities, along with allegations of pushbacks—summary deportations without allowing asylum applications—have contributed to a reduction in crossing attempts. Greece, alongside other EU nations, has been implementing stricter migration regulations. This includes efforts by the EU to overhaul its migration system, focusing on streamlining deportations and increasing detentions, as part of broader policy changes.
The collision underscores the ongoing challenges and risks associated with migration routes in the Mediterranean, raising questions about safety protocols and humanitarian responses in such crises.
