Tragic Collision Off Greek Coast Claims 15 Migrant Lives
A devastating maritime incident has resulted in the deaths of at least fifteen individuals after a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Greek coastguard vessel. The tragic event occurred off the coast of the eastern Aegean island of Chios, highlighting the ongoing perils faced by those attempting dangerous Mediterranean crossings.
Rescue Operations and Casualty Details
Greek coastguard officials have confirmed that the bodies of eleven men and three women were recovered from the sea following the collision. An additional woman later succumbed to her injuries in hospital, bringing the total death toll to fifteen. A comprehensive search and rescue operation remains active in the area, involving multiple patrol boats, specialised divers, and helicopter support.
Authorities reported that twenty-five migrants, including eleven children, were successfully rescued from the water and transported to a hospital on Chios for medical treatment. Two coastguard officers were also injured during the incident and received care alongside the survivors. The exact number of people aboard the migrant speedboat at the time of the collision has not yet been established, according to official statements.
Hospital Response and Ongoing Investigation
Michalis Giannakos, head of Greece's public hospital workers' union, stated that medical staff at the Chios hospital were preparing for a sudden influx of injured individuals. Speaking on Greek television, Mr Giannakos indicated that several of those rescued required urgent surgical intervention. Video footage from local media showed at least one person being carried from a coastguard boat in a blanket, while others appeared to be guiding two children toward waiting vehicles.
The precise circumstances leading to the collision remain unclear, with authorities launching an investigation to determine how the incident occurred. This tragedy comes less than three years after the catastrophic sinking of a migrant fishing boat off Pylos in 2023, which is believed to have claimed hundreds of lives.
Broader Context of Mediterranean Migration
According to data from the United Nations' migration agency, the Mediterranean Sea remains the world's deadliest migration corridor. Between 2014 and the end of 2025, more than 33,000 migrants have been recorded as dead or missing while attempting crossings. The Greek coastguard has frequently been involved in complex rescue operations in these perilous waters, where overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels are common.
The incident near Chios underscores the persistent humanitarian challenges associated with migration routes through the Aegean Sea. As rescue teams continue their work, questions about maritime safety protocols and migration policy responses are likely to intensify in the wake of this latest tragedy.
