Deadly Maritime Incidents Off Greek Coast Claim At Least 33 Lives
Two distinct maritime incidents off the Greek coast have resulted in the deaths of at least 33 individuals and the rescue of dozens more. Near the island of Chios, a collision between a migrant speedboat and a Greek coastguard vessel led to 15 deaths and 25 rescues. Separately, an inflatable boat capsized south of Crete, leaving at least 18 individuals dead and two survivors. Both events have prompted ongoing search and rescue operations and investigations by Greek authorities.
Collision Off Chios Claims 15 Lives
A collision occurred near the eastern Aegean island of Chios between a speedboat transporting migrants and a Greek coastguard patrol vessel. The incident resulted in the capsizing and sinking of the migrant boat. Authorities reported the recovery of 14 bodies, with an additional woman among the rescued later dying in a hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to 15.
A total of 25 individuals were rescued, including seven women, seven men, and 11 children. These individuals, predominantly Afghans and one Moroccan national, were transported to a hospital on Chios. Two Greek coastguard officers also sustained injuries during the incident and received medical attention.
The migrant boat was estimated to have been carrying at least 39 passengers and was described as overloaded.
According to the Greek coast guard, the migrant boat was sailing towards Chios with its navigation lights switched off and disregarded signals from the patrol vessel before altering its course, which led to the collision. Port authorities in Chios have launched an investigation into the incident. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris stated that smugglers were responsible for the deaths and expressed confidence in the coast guard's account of events.
A search and rescue operation involving five coast guard vessels and a helicopter remains active to locate any additional survivors. Video footage from a local news site depicted at least one person being moved from a coastguard boat and two children being led towards a vehicle.
Inflatable Boat Sinks South of Crete, 18 Dead
In a separate incident, an inflatable boat carrying migrants capsized approximately south of the Greek island of Crete. This incident has resulted in the reported deaths of at least 18 individuals.
The partially submerged vessel was located by a passing Turkish merchant ship. Two survivors were rescued from the scene, and a search and rescue operation was initiated. The ongoing operation involves resources from the European border agency Frontex, including a ship and a plane, as well as a Greek Coast Guard helicopter and three merchant vessels. The origin point of the capsized boat has not yet been determined by authorities.
Recent observations indicate a surge in arrivals to Crete originating from Libya.
Broader Migration Context
Greece serves as a primary entry point into the European Union for individuals migrating from regions experiencing conflict and economic instability in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Maritime incidents resulting in fatalities are frequent during these crossings.
Historically, crossings from Turkey's coast to nearby Greek islands using small vessels were prevalent. However, increased maritime patrols and reported pushbacks by Greek authorities have contributed to a reduction in such attempts. Greece, along with several other EU member states, has implemented stricter migration regulations. In December, the EU revised its migration system, focusing on streamlining deportations and increasing detentions.
Greece has faced scrutiny regarding its management of sea-borne migrant arrivals, including a 2023 shipwreck that resulted in hundreds of deaths. Between 2015 and 2016, nearly one million people arrived on Greek islands, including Chios, from Turkey.