At Least 14 Dead After Migrant Boat Collides with Greek Coast Guard Vessel Near Chios Island

Athens. At least 14 people have died after a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Greek Coast Guard vessel near the Greek island of Chios, Greek officials said. The incident occurred last night near the village of Vrontados in the Chios Strait.

According to the Greek Coast Guard, the speedboat was moving in a risky and erratic manner. The collision happened while the Coast Guard vessel was pursuing it. Definitive details on how the accident occurred have not yet been made public.

A massive search and rescue operation was launched following the incident. Four Coast Guard vessels, private diving boats, and one helicopter were deployed for the rescue. So far, 24 people have been rescued alive, some of whom are reported to be in serious condition. It is suspected that some individuals are still missing.

According to Greek state media, among the injured are seven children, one pregnant woman, and two Coast Guard officers. Initially, four deaths were confirmed. However, the death toll rose to 14 after 10 more bodies were found around 11 PM local time. Greece is considered a primary route for migrants attempting to enter Europe via the Eastern Mediterranean. Such accidents have occurred many times in the past.