Aegean Tragedy Off Chios Leaves at Least 14 Dead as Rescue Efforts Intensify

A deadly collision between a Greek coastguard vessel and a speedboat carrying migrants and asylum seekers in the Aegean Sea has claimed the lives of at least 14 people, according to Greek authorities. The incident occurred late Tuesday night off the coast of Chios, near the Mersinidi area, prompting a large-scale search-and-rescue operation that continued into Wednesday.

The Incident

The crash took place at approximately 9 pm local time (19:00 GMT) when the migrant boat reportedly manoeuvred toward a Greek coastguard vessel after being instructed to turn back. The speedboat, described as a high‑powered craft often used for rapid crossings from the Turkish coast, collided with the patrol vessel under circumstances that remain under investigation.

Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were on board the migrant boat at the time of the collision. The Greek coastguard reported that 26 individuals were rescued, including 24 migrants and two coastguard officers, all of whom were transported to a hospital on Chios. Several survivors sustained injuries, among them seven children and a pregnant woman, according to local media reports.

Rescue Operations Underway

A multi‑agency rescue effort was immediately launched, involving four patrol vessels, a Greek Air Force helicopter, and a private boat carrying divers. Search teams continued to comb the waters for additional survivors or victims amid uncertainty over the total number of passengers on the migrant vessel.

Footage published by local outlets showed emergency personnel carrying at least one individual wrapped in a blanket from a coastguard boat to a waiting vehicle with flashing lights. Two children were also seen being escorted to safety.

Context: A Dangerous Crossing

Greece remains a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict, persecution, and economic hardship in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The short but perilous sea route from Turkey to the Greek islands has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.

Although migrant arrivals have decreased in recent years due to tightened border controls and increased patrols, fatal incidents continue to occur. Human rights groups and EU agencies have scrutinised Greece’s handling of asylum seekers, including allegations of pushbacks and unsafe interception practices—claims the Greek government has repeatedly denied.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have yet to release the identities of the victims or provide a full account of the events leading up to the collision. A coastguard official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, stated that the migrant boat attempted evasive manoeuvres before the crash, but the precise sequence of events remains unclear.

The Greek government has pledged a thorough investigation, while humanitarian organisations have called for transparency and renewed attention to migrant safety in the Aegean.

A Region in Mourning

As rescue teams continue their search, the tragedy has reignited debate over Europe’s migration policies and the risks faced by those attempting the crossing. For the island of Chios—long a frontline in the migration crisis—the incident marks yet another devastating chapter in an ongoing humanitarian challenge.

Authorities warn that the death toll may rise as the search continues.