A devastating maritime collision off the coast of Greece has resulted in the deaths of at least fifteen people, after a speedboat carrying migrants struck a coastguard vessel. The tragic incident occurred near the eastern Aegean island of Chios, casting a sombre shadow over the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean.
Rescue Efforts and Casualty Details
Coastguard officials have confirmed that the bodies of eleven men and three women were recovered from the sea following the collision. A woman later succumbed to her injuries in hospital, bringing the total death toll to fifteen. A comprehensive search and rescue operation is currently underway in the area, involving patrol boats, divers, and a helicopter to locate any further survivors or victims.
Survivors and Injuries
In a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy, twenty-five migrants, including eleven children, were successfully rescued from the waters. They have been transported to a hospital on Chios for medical treatment. Additionally, two coastguard officers sustained injuries during the incident and are receiving care. The exact number of individuals aboard the migrant speedboat remains unclear, as authorities continue their investigations.
Context and Historical Precedents
This collision comes less than three years after a catastrophic event in 2023, when hundreds of migrants are believed to have perished after a fishing boat sank off the coast of Greece near Pylos. That vessel capsized approximately fifty miles from the southern coastal town, following engine failure that caused it to veer dangerously.
The Mediterranean Sea remains the world's deadliest migration corridor, with the UN's migration agency reporting over 33,000 migrants dead or missing between 2014 and the end of 2025. This latest incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by those attempting the perilous journey.
Hospital Preparedness and Response
Michalis Giannakos, head of Greece's public hospital workers' union, highlighted the urgent response required, noting that staff at the Chios hospital were preparing for a sudden influx of injured individuals. Speaking on Greek television, Mr Giannakos mentioned that several of the injured required surgical intervention, emphasising the severity of the situation.
As rescue operations persist, the cause of the collision remains under investigation. Video footage from local news outlets depicted at least one person being carried in a blanket from a coastguard boat to a waiting vehicle, with others seen leading two children to safety, illustrating the chaotic and heart-wrenching scenes following the accident.
