At Least 15 Die in Rare Collision Between Migrant Boat and Greek Patrol Vessel

A collision between a Greek coastguard vessel and a speedboat carrying migrants near the island of Chios in the eastern Aegean Sea resulted in at least 14 fatalities. The incident prompted a search and rescue operation involving multiple vessels and a helicopter. Twenty-four people were rescued and transported to a hospital in Chios, along with two injured coastguard officers. The exact number of people on the migrant boat remains unclear, as does the cause of the collision. Greece is a common entry point into the EU for migrants fleeing conflict and poverty, and fatal accidents are frequent in the area. Increased patrols and stricter migration regulations have reduced crossing attempts.

At least 14 migrants died after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel off the coast of Chios, Greece, on Tuesday night. The Greek Coast Guard stated they were pursuing the speedboat, which was making dangerous maneuvers, in the Chios Strait near Vrontades. Twenty-four people were rescued, some with serious injuries, and others are still reportedly missing. A search and rescue operation involving coastguard vessels, a private boat with divers, and a helicopter was launched. The injured included seven children, a pregnant woman, and two coastguard officers. The exact circumstances of the collision remain unclear.

On February 3, 2026, a collision between a Greek coastguard vessel and a boat carrying migrants and asylum seekers near the island of Chios in the Aegean Sea resulted in at least 14 deaths. The incident occurred around 9pm local time. Twenty-six people, including 24 migrants and two coastguard officers, were rescued and taken to a hospital in Chios. The number of people on the migrant boat is currently unknown. A search-and-rescue operation involving patrol boats, a helicopter, and divers is underway. A coastguard official stated the collision occurred after the migrant boat maneuvered towards the coastguard vessel, which had instructed it to turn back. Greece has been a major transit point for migrants and refugees seeking to reach Europe.