15 Dead After Migrant Smuggling Boat Collides With Greek Coast Guard Vessel Off Chios
Fifteen people have died following a fatal maritime incident off the Greek island of Chios, after a smuggling speedboat carrying foreign nationals collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel late Tuesday night. According to an official Coast Guard statement, the incident occurred in the Myrsinidi sea area when a patrol detected an inflatable speedboat travelling without navigation lights toward the island’s eastern coast.
The Coast Guard said the operator of the speedboat ignored repeated visual and audible signals to stop and instead altered course, resulting in a collision with the starboard side of the patrol vessel. The impact caused the smuggling boat to overturn and sink, throwing all passengers into the sea. A large-scale search and rescue operation was immediately launched, involving four Coast Guard patrol vessels, a private vessel with civilian divers, and two Hellenic Air Force helicopters.
Rescue teams recovered 25 injured survivors—seven men, seven women, and 11 minors—who were transferred to Skilitsio General Hospital in Chios, where one woman later died. Two Coast Guard crew members were also hospitalized, with one since discharged. During the operation, authorities recovered 14 bodies at sea, bringing the total death toll to 15. A preliminary investigation has been opened by the Central Port Authority of Chios, while search efforts continue for any missing persons.
