A collision between a Greek coast guard boat and a speedboat carrying migrants occurred off the island of Chios on Tuesday, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Tragic Loss of Life
The Greek Coast Guard has recovered the bodies of 14 individuals – 11 men and three women – from the sea. Tragically, one of the injured women later died in hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 15.
ERTNews, a Greek broadcaster, reported that 25 individuals were injured in the incident, including 11 children and two coast guard officers. All were transported to a hospital on the island.
Ongoing Search and Rescue
A search-and-rescue operation is currently underway, utilizing patrol boats, a helicopter, and divers. The operation aims to locate potentially missing individuals, though the total number of people aboard the speedboat remains unclear.
Details of the Incident
Reports indicate the speedboat was carrying dozens of migrants traveling from Turkey toward the Greek island of Chios. A Greek coast guard patrol spotted the boat and reportedly ordered it to alter its course.
According to ERT, the patrol issued a warning signal, after which the migrant boat attempted to evade authorities. The two vessels then collided, causing people to fall into the sea, according to the Athens news channel Skai. No official statement regarding the cause of the collision has been released.
The Mediterranean Migration Route
Many individuals fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia attempt to enter the European Union via Greece. This route, while relatively short, is frequently perilous.
The International Organization for Migration reports that roughly 33,000 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean Sea since 2014.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on Tuesday?
A Greek coast guard boat collided with a speedboat carrying migrants near the island of Chios. At least 15 people have died, and 25 were injured, including 11 children and two coast guard officers.
Where were the migrants traveling from?
The migrants were traveling from Turkey toward the coast of Chios, Greece.
Is this a common occurrence?
Fatal accidents are common along the Mediterranean migration route. Approximately 33,000 migrants have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migration.
What steps will authorities take next remains uncertain, but a continued search-and-rescue operation is likely as authorities attempt to determine the full extent of the tragedy and the number of people involved. Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is also anticipated.
