On the evening of the 3rd, a Greek Coast Guard vessel collided with a boat carrying illegal immigrants near the eastern Greek island of Chios, resulting in at least 14 deaths and more than 20 injuries. Some people remain missing.
The accident occurred at around 9 p.m. local time, when a speedboat carrying illegal immigrants, which had departed from Turkey, attempted to land these migrants. A Coast Guard vessel spotted the speedboat and began a pursuit to prevent it from approaching the beach. During the subsequent chase, the collision occurred.
According to a statement released by the Greek Coast Guard, the deceased include 12 men and 2 women. The accident also left 2 Coast Guard officers and multiple illegal immigrants injured, among which are 7 children and a pregnant woman. All injured have been taken to a local hospital on Chios for treatment.
Following the accident, Greek authorities immediately launched a large-scale search and rescue operation. Survivors reported that some individuals are still missing, and rescue teams are continuing their search in the related sea area.
Chios Island is located in the eastern Aegean Sea, only about 8 kilometers from the Turkish coast. It is one of the main maritime routes for illegal immigrants traveling from Turkey to Greece. In recent years, smuggling activities in this area have occurred frequently, and Greek law enforcement agencies have strengthened maritime patrols.