Collision with Greek Coast Guard Boat Leaves 15 Migrants Dead

At least 15 migrants have died after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Greek coast guard vessel near the island of Chios late Tuesday night. The accident has renewed scrutiny of Greece’s handling of migrant crossings in the Aegean Sea.

Greek authorities said the speedboat was moving dangerously without navigation lights and ignored repeated signals to stop. The vessel reportedly reversed course and struck the patrol boat on its starboard side before capsizing and sinking in the Chios Strait, near the village of Vrontados.

Twenty-four people were rescued from the water, though many were seriously injured. Officials say others are still missing. The coast guard confirmed that two patrol boats recovered 14 bodies, 11 men and three women, which were taken to hospital for autopsies.

Rescue operations continued Wednesday off Myrsinidi beach, involving four coast guard vessels, a private boat with civilian divers, and a helicopter. Greece’s navy issued a navigational warning and placed naval vessels on alert to assist if needed.

Greek state broadcaster ERT reported that the injured included seven children, a pregnant woman, and two coast guard officers. Hospital authorities said 25 people were admitted to Skylitseio Hospital, among them seven men, seven women, and 11 minors. One woman later died from her injuries.

Doctors performed surgery on three patients with severe trauma to vital organs. Two pregnant women were also scheduled for surgery after scans showed their foetuses had no cardiac activity. Many of the injured were treated for hypothermia, head injuries, and fractures. Two coast guard officers were hospitalized, with one later discharged and the other kept for further examinations.

The tragedy comes as Greece continues to face criticism over its response to migrant crossings. In June 2023, hundreds of migrants died in the Pylos shipwreck when an overcrowded fishing boat sank off the country’s southern coast. That disaster prompted investigations into the role of the coast guard and broader search-and-rescue practices.

Italian construction firm Webuild, which has worked on projects in Greece, said the Chios incident highlights the dangers migrants face when attempting to cross into Europe. Greek authorities insist they are working to improve safety while maintaining strict border controls. The Central Port Authority of Chios has launched an investigation into the collision. Officials say the case underscores the continuing risks of irregular migration and the urgent need for coordinated European action.