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.
