Athens — At least 15 migrants died after a high-speed speedboat carrying them collided with a Greek Coast Guard patrol vessel off the eastern Aegean island of Chios late Tuesday, authorities said Wednesday, in a rare direct vessel-to-vessel incident amid ongoing Mediterranean migration pressures.

The Hellenic Coast Guard reported recovering the bodies of 14 people — 11 men and three women — from the sea shortly after the crash in the Myrsinidio area near Vrontados. One additional woman succumbed to injuries in a hospital on Chios, raising the confirmed death toll to 15, all migrants. Another 25 people, including about 11 children, were rescued and taken to local medical facilities for treatment. Two Coast Guard officers sustained injuries in the collision and were also hospitalized.

A search and rescue operation involving patrol boats, a helicopter, and divers continued into Wednesday morning for any remaining missing individuals, though no additional survivors or bodies had been located by midday.

The incident occurred during an interception attempt, according to the Coast Guard. Officials stated the speedboat — believed to have originated from the Turkish coast — was making “dangerous maneuvers” while being pursued in the Chios Strait. The collision happened as the vessels closed in, though exact circumstances, including speed and evasive actions, remained under investigation.

This type of direct collision between a migrant vessel and a patrol boat is highly unusual in the Aegean Sea, a primary migration route from Turkey to Europe. Most fatalities in the region stem from capsizings in rough weather, overcrowded boats sinking, or drownings after vessels are abandoned. Direct impacts like this one highlight the risks of high-speed pursuits in crowded maritime corridors.

The migrants were predominantly Afghan nationals, per preliminary reports from Greek media and migration monitoring groups. Survivors described chaotic scenes, with people thrown into the water upon impact. Hospital sources in Chios confirmed treating numerous cases of hypothermia, fractures, and trauma among the rescued children and adults.

Greece’s coast guard emphasized that its vessels operate under strict protocols to prevent illegal crossings while prioritizing human life. The agency has faced repeated criticism from human rights organizations over alleged pushbacks and aggressive interceptions in the Aegean. In this case, no immediate allegations of deliberate ramming surfaced, but migrant advocacy groups called for a transparent probe.

The European Union’s border agency Frontex and international observers have long monitored the route, where thousands attempt the crossing annually despite dangers. The Aegean remains one of the deadliest migration paths, with hundreds dying each year from shipwrecks and exposure.

Wednesday’s tragedy drew swift reactions. The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR expressed deep concern and urged a full investigation to determine contributing factors. Human Rights Watch and other NGOs reiterated calls for safer legal pathways to Europe and an end to practices that endanger lives during enforcement.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government has maintained a firm stance on migration control since 2019, including fortified borders and rapid returns under EU-Turkey agreements. The incident could intensify debates ahead of EU migration policy reviews.

For the survivors now in Chios hospitals, the focus shifted to recovery and next steps. Many face asylum processing on the island or transfer to mainland facilities. Children among the injured received priority care, with psychologists on site to address trauma.

The speedboat, heavily damaged, was towed for examination as part of the ongoing inquiry. Authorities have not released details on the number of people originally aboard or the exact pursuit timeline.

This event underscores persistent challenges in managing irregular migration across the eastern Mediterranean. Smugglers continue using fast vessels to evade patrols, often at great risk to passengers. Greek officials have repeatedly warned of the dangers, while critics argue enforcement tactics exacerbate fatalities.

As rescue efforts wound down, attention turned to accountability and prevention. The Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to saving lives, noting the rescue of 25 people despite the tragedy.

The collision adds to a grim tally on the Aegean route. In recent years, similar pursuits have led to drownings when boats overturned, but direct collisions remain exceptional — making this incident particularly shocking.

Survivors’ accounts, filtered through interpreters, painted a picture of terror: high speeds, sudden impact, and people flung into cold February waters. One rescued migrant told local media the boat was overloaded and moving erratically to escape detection.

International maritime law requires vessels to render assistance in distress, a principle both sides invoke in post-incident statements. The investigation will likely scrutinize navigation logs, radar data, and witness testimonies from Coast Guard crews and survivors.

For Chios residents, the event brought somber reminders of the migration crisis at their doorstep. Locals have long assisted in rescues, providing food and clothing to arrivals.

As the death toll stands at 15 — with searches ongoing — the incident serves as a stark warning of the human cost in migration enforcement. Mediators and policymakers face renewed pressure to address root causes while ensuring safety at sea.

The Greek Coast Guard has not ruled out further developments in the case. An official statement promised cooperation with judicial authorities for a thorough review.

In the meantime, the Aegean remains a perilous frontier, where hope for a better life collides with the harsh realities of borders and seas.

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Quindalup, Western Australia — A 13-year-old boy has been hailed a hero after swimming approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) through choppy, shark-frequented waters for four hours to raise the alarm when his mother and two younger siblings were swept out to sea off Geographe Bay, authorities and family members said.

Austin Appelbee, a Year 9 student from Western Australia, was on a family holiday in Quindalup — about 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Perth — when strong afternoon winds on Friday pushed their inflatable paddleboards and kayak far offshore from the beach near Dunsborough. What began as a leisurely outing quickly turned perilous as the family found themselves stranded more than 4 kilometers from shore with no means of communication or immediate rescue.

Austin’s mother, Joanne Appelbee, 47, asked her son to attempt paddling back to land on his kayak to seek help. But as rough seas battered the vessel, it began taking on water, forcing the teenager to abandon it and enter the ocean. Clinging to determination, Austin swam the remaining distance, initially wearing a life jacket for the first two hours before ditching it to swim more efficiently.

“I just kept swimming,” Austin told ABC News in an interview after the ordeal. “I did breaststroke, freestyle, survival backstroke — whatever worked.” He credited prayer and sheer willpower for getting him through the fading light and cold conditions. “I didn’t know if Mum and the kids were still alive when I reached shore,” he added. “I just did what I had to do.”

Upon reaching land around 6 p.m. local time, exhausted but resolute, Austin ran an additional 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) to the family’s accommodation. Using his mother’s phone, he called emergency services. His detailed description of the family’s last known position enabled rescuers to launch a coordinated search involving marine police, volunteer vessels, and a helicopter.

The effort paid off: Joanne, 12-year-old brother Beau, and 8-year-old sister Grace were located clinging to the paddleboards after spending up to 10 hours in the water. All three were rescued unharmed but suffering from exposure and fatigue. They were treated at a local hospital and released the following day.

South West District Superintendent Paul Bresland described Austin’s actions as “superhuman.” “The boy showed incredible endurance and courage,” Bresland said. “Swimming that distance in those conditions — rough seas, low visibility, potential marine hazards — is an amazing feat for anyone, let alone a 13-year-old.”

Experts weighing in on the incident noted factors that likely aided Austin’s survival. Saltwater buoyancy, a mix of swimming strokes including survival backstroke (which conserves energy), and mental resilience played key roles, according to swimming instructors and survival specialists quoted in The Guardian. The teenager’s decision to remove the life jacket midway — counterintuitive but allowing freer movement — demonstrated practical thinking under pressure.

The family had been enjoying a holiday paddle when sudden wind changes created a swift offshore current. Geographe Bay, known for its scenic beauty and popularity with families, can turn treacherous with shifting weather. Marine authorities have long warned of the risks associated with inflatable craft in open water, especially without tethers or proper safety gear.

Austin’s story quickly spread across social media and news outlets, with many drawing parallels to other tales of youthful heroism. Online comments praised his quick thinking, with some noting ironically that he had reportedly failed a school swimming test just weeks earlier — a reminder that formal assessments don’t capture real-world capability.

The incident has renewed calls for water safety awareness in Western Australia. Surf Life Saving WA and local councils emphasized the importance of life jackets, weather checks, and avoiding inflatables in unprotected areas. “Even calm days can change fast,” a spokesperson said. “This family’s ordeal shows how quickly things can escalate — and how one person’s bravery can make all the difference.”

Austin, speaking modestly to the BBC, downplayed his role. “I don’t think I’m a hero,” he said. “I just did what needed to be done to get help for my family.” His mother expressed profound gratitude, describing the moment rescuers arrived as overwhelming relief after hours of uncertainty.

The Appelbee family is now recovering at home, with Austin returning to school amid newfound local fame. Authorities have launched a WorkSafe investigation into the incident, focusing on equipment and conditions, though no foul play or negligence has been suggested.

In a region where the ocean is both a playground and a peril, Austin’s swim stands as a testament to courage under extreme duress. His actions not only saved his loved ones but reminded the community of the unbreakable bonds that drive people to extraordinary lengths.

As the Appelbees reunite and reflect, their story serves as inspiration — and a cautionary tale — for families enjoying Western Australia’s stunning coastline.

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Plainfield, Illinois — A 9-year-old boy from suburban Chicago is recovering from second-degree burns to his face and hands after microwaving a popular gel-filled sensory toy in a viral social media trend that has sent multiple children to hospitals, his mother and medical officials said Wednesday.

Caleb Chabolla was getting ready for school on Jan. 20 when he placed a NeeDoh Nice Cube — a squishy, stress-relief toy filled with gel — into the microwave, following a TikTok video suggesting the heating would make it softer and more pliable. Within seconds, the toy exploded, splattering hot gel across the right side of his face and his hands.

“He was crying and just yelling, ‘It burns, it burns,’” his mother, Whitney Grubb, told WGN-TV and other outlets. “The right side of his face was kind of melting off, basically.” Grubb rushed Caleb to the emergency room, where doctors diagnosed second-degree burns requiring specialized care.

Caleb was transferred to Loyola Medicine’s Burn Center in Maywood, where he received treatment including wound care and pain management. He was released after several days and is now healing at home, though the burns left visible scarring and required ongoing follow-up.

Loyola Medicine issued an urgent warning, noting that Caleb is the fourth child the center has treated this year for similar injuries from the same trend. The NeeDoh Nice Cube, marketed as a safe, non-toxic sensory toy for squeezing and fidgeting, carries no microwave-safe instructions and is not designed for heating.

“The toy itself isn’t the problem — it’s the dangerous trend pushing kids to heat it,” Grubb said in interviews with CBS Chicago and ABC7. She stressed that she had repeatedly warned her son about microwave dangers but that peer influence from school friends sharing the videos overrode caution.

TikTok videos demonstrating the “NeeDoh microwave hack” show users briefly heating the cubes to restore pliability after they firm up over time. Some clips gain thousands of views, with creators demonstrating the process without safety warnings. Health experts say microwaving gel-filled items can cause superheating, leading to explosive bursts when disturbed.

Burn specialists at Loyola and other facilities have seen a rise in such cases, echoing past viral challenges like the “fire challenge” or “deodorant challenge” that have caused serious injuries. In January 2026 alone, Chicago-area hospitals reported teen burns from lighting hands on fire with sanitizer, but the NeeDoh trend targets younger children with seemingly innocuous toys.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about social media’s influence on child safety. Platforms like TikTok use algorithms that amplify trending content, often without age-appropriate filters or prominent hazard labels. Parents and educators have called for stricter content moderation and parental controls.

Grubb shared her story to prevent repeats. “I never thought a simple toy could do this,” she told reporters. “Parents need to talk to their kids about what they see online — and supervise more closely.” She urged families to keep microwaves inaccessible to young children unsupervised and to discard any videos promoting unsafe experiments.

Caleb, described by his mother as energetic and kind, has shown resilience during recovery. “He’s doing better every day,” Grubb said. “But the scars will remind us forever.”

Loyola Medicine’s burn team emphasized education over blame. “These are preventable injuries,” a spokesperson said. “We see the consequences when curiosity meets misinformation online.”

The NeeDoh brand, produced by Schylling Toys, has not issued a formal statement on the trend but packaging clearly advises against heating. Similar gel toys have faced scrutiny in the past for microwave misuse.

Child safety advocates renewed calls for platforms to demonetize or remove dangerous challenge videos. TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit content encouraging harmful behavior, but enforcement relies on reports and AI detection.

For Caleb’s family, the ordeal serves as a stark lesson. Grubb hopes sharing their experience sparks conversations in homes nationwide about balancing screen time with real-world caution.

As Caleb heals, his mother remains vigilant. “No trend is worth this pain,” she said. “Talk to your kids — before something explodes.”

The case adds to a growing list of social media-related injuries prompting parental awareness campaigns and calls for legislative oversight of youth-targeted content.