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Greek Coast Guard Collision with Migrant Boat Raises Questions as Death Toll Reaches 15
Three days after a deadly collision between a Greek coast guard vessel and a boat carrying migrants off the eastern Aegean island of Chios, search and rescue operations continue as questions mount over the circumstances of the incident.
The collision has claimed the lives of 15 people and left 26 injured, including 11 children and two coast guard officers. The total number of migrants aboard the small speedboat remains unclear, prompting ongoing search efforts for potentially missing individuals.
Evaggelos Kirithras, a diver who participated in the recovery operation, described a harrowing scene when he arrived. He found 12 bodies inside a semisubmerged inflatable speedboat that had not capsized.
“Most of them had head injuries. I can’t describe how bad the head injuries were,” Kirithras told The Associated Press, comparing the trauma to the impact of hitting a wall. Despite his previous experience with coast guard rescue operations, he said this was “the first time I’ve seen such force.”
A report prepared by four coroners who examined the victims reportedly indicated severe injuries, according to Greek media, though the document has not been made public.
The exact sequence of events leading to the collision remains contested. The coast guard initially reported that its patrol boat encountered the speedboat traveling without navigation lights toward Chios. According to their account, the migrant vessel ignored signals to stop and suddenly changed direction, resulting in the collision and capsizing.
Photos released by authorities show abrasion marks on the right side of the patrol boat, though the coast guard’s version of events cannot be independently verified.
The incident has sparked calls for transparency from opposition figures. Kostas Arvanitis, a left-wing member of the European Parliament, characterized the encounter as “a very violent incident” based on “the pursuit, the collision, the injuries,” and demanded the release of any footage from cameras aboard the patrol vessel.
However, authorities maintain that the camera on the patrol boat was not recording during the incident. Maritime Affairs Minister Vassilis Kikilias explained in parliament on Friday that the vessel’s captain had decided against activating the camera because the migrant boat was already nearby, making the long-range thermal imaging equipment ineffective.
“As I have been informed… the camera’s function is infrared and long-distance, so even if it had been switched on, it would not have had clear recordings of the collision event,” Kikilias stated, adding that judicial and administrative investigations into the incident were welcome.
The survivors from the approximately 8-meter (26-foot) speedboat have been identified predominantly as Afghan nationals, with one Moroccan among the injured now arrested on suspicion of migrant smuggling.
This tragedy highlights Greece’s continuing role as a major entry point for migrants and refugees attempting to reach the European Union. The country has long been a gateway for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with many attempting the short but dangerous crossing from Turkey to nearby Greek islands.
Fatal accidents during these crossings occur with alarming regularity. In recent years, Greek authorities have increased patrols in the Aegean Sea, leading to fewer crossing attempts. However, humanitarian organizations have accused Greece of engaging in “pushbacks” – summary deportations without allowing asylum applications – a practice that violates international refugee law.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of Greece’s migration policies and border enforcement practices as judicial authorities proceed with their official inquiry into the deadly collision.
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14 Comments
My heart goes out to the families of the victims. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the high stakes and grave dangers faced by migrants undertaking perilous journeys in search of safety and opportunity. Meaningful policy solutions are urgently needed.
Well said. Prioritizing the protection and dignity of all people on the move must be a central focus going forward.
This incident is heartbreaking. My condolences to the families of the victims. It’s crucial to understand the full circumstances and ensure proper safety protocols are in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Agreed. Investigating the cause and severity of the injuries is critical to determine how to better protect vulnerable migrants at sea.
While the details are still emerging, the reported severity of the victims’ injuries is deeply concerning. This incident underscores the immense risks and challenges faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings. Urgent action is needed to address this humanitarian crisis.
While the details of this incident are still emerging, the reported force of the collision is extremely concerning. I hope the investigation sheds light on what happened and leads to measures to prevent such catastrophic outcomes going forward.
The diver’s description of the victims’ severe head injuries is truly harrowing. This incident underscores the urgent need for greater cooperation and humanitarian assistance to protect vulnerable migrants and refugees at sea.
The diver’s account of the victims’ severe head injuries is harrowing. This incident highlights the immense human toll of the global migration crisis and the need for enhanced coordination and humanitarian assistance to safeguard vulnerable populations at sea.
This is a tragic reminder of the immense human toll of the global migration crisis. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. Addressing the root causes of forced migration must be a top priority.
Well said. Sustainable solutions require tackling the complex political, economic, and social factors driving displacement worldwide.
The severe head injuries described by the diver are truly horrific. This highlights the immense dangers and risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings. More must be done to provide safe and legal pathways for migration.
Absolutely. The loss of life is devastating. Improved coordination and policies are needed to ensure the safety and dignity of all people on the move.
This is a tragic loss of life. The focus should now be on a thorough, transparent investigation to determine exactly what happened and how to prevent such devastating collisions in the future. My condolences to all affected.
Agreed. Understanding the full circumstances is critical to implementing meaningful reforms and safeguards to protect migrant lives at sea.