Deadly migrant boat collision off Chios leaves at least 15 dead

At least 15 migrants have died after a high-speed migrant boat collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel in the Aegean Sea near the Greek island of Chios, The Maritime Telegraph reports.

 

The incident took place late on 3 February off the eastern coast of Chios, close to the Turkish shoreline near Mersinidi. According to Greek authorities, the overcrowded speedboat was travelling without navigation lights and did not respond to visual and audible warnings from the coast guard. Shortly after, the vessel altered course and struck the patrol boat on its starboard side, causing it to capsize and sink.

 

Rescue teams recovered 14 bodies from the water, including men and women, while 25 survivors were pulled from the sea and taken to hospital on Chios, several in critical condition. One injured woman later died in hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to 15. Two members of the Hellenic Coast Guard were also injured during the incident.

 

Among the survivors were children and pregnant women. Medical sources reported cases of miscarriage linked to severe trauma. Authorities said the exact number of people aboard the small speedboat remains unknown, and search operations continue in the surrounding waters for any missing persons, Reuters reported.

 

The Hellenic Coast Guard has opened a formal investigation into the collision. In its initial assessment, the service described the tragedy as the result of the migrant boat’s failure to comply with lawful instructions at sea, a position also reflected in early reporting by the Associated Press .

 

Picture: parapolitika.gr