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Migrant Filled Speedboat Crashes Into Patrol Vessel in Chios
At least 14 migrants were killed and dozens rescued after a speedboat collided with a Greek coastguard patrol vessel off the island of Chios, triggering a major search and rescue operation.
Sunken boat by Unsplash
At least 14 people were killed when a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Greek coastguard patrol vessel off the eastern Aegean island of Chios, the coastguard said.
A search and rescue operation was under way to locate any missing passengers. The operation involved four coastguard patrol vessels, an air force helicopter and a private boat carrying divers.
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The coastguard said 24 people were rescued and transported to a hospital on Chios. Two coastguard officers injured in the incident were also taken to hospital. It was not immediately clear how many of those transported were injured or the extent of their injuries.
Authorities said they did not yet know how many people had been aboard the speedboat at the time of the collision.
Video footage published by a local news website showed at least one person being carried in a blanket from a coastguard vessel moored alongside a jetty and placed into a waiting coastguard vehicle with blue flashing lights. Other images appeared to show individuals leading two children toward the same vehicle.
The coastguard said it did not have immediate information on how the collision occurred or on the identities of those killed or the other passengers on board the speedboat.
Greece remains a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Many migrants attempt the short but often dangerous sea crossing from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands in the eastern Aegean. Fatal accidents during these journeys are frequent.
Crossing attempts have declined in recent years amid increased maritime patrols and allegations of pushbacks by Greek authorities, a practice involving the summary return of migrants without allowing them to apply for asylum.
Greece, along with several other EU member states, has also tightened its migration policies. In December, the European Union began overhauling its migration system, including measures aimed at streamlining deportations and expanding the use of detention.
Editor’s Note:
This article is based on information released by the Greek coastguard and local media reports. Details regarding the number of passengers, the circumstances of the collision, and the identities of the victims remain under investigation.
