At least 15 people have died after a high-speed collision between a migrant-carrying speedboat and a Greek Coast Guard vessel in the eastern Aegean Sea off the island of Chios, Greek authorities confirmed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night when the Coast Guard attempted to intercept the boat suspected of smuggling migrants from Turkey. According to preliminary reports from the Hellenic Coast Guard: The speedboat, carrying dozens of migrants, collided with the patrol vessel during the chase.
At least 15 bodies (including women and children) were recovered from the water shortly after the crash Several others are missing and presumed drowned.
19 survivors were rescued and taken to Chios for medical treatment; some are in critical condition due to hypothermia and injuries.
The exact number of people on board the speedboat remains unknown, as many may have been thrown into the sea upon impact. Search and rescue operations involving multiple Coast Guard vessels, helicopters, and Frontex assets continued into Wednesday morning.
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The Greek Coast Guard said it launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the collision and denied any intentional ramming, describing the incident as a “tragic accident during an interception.” The Hellenic Police and Migration Ministry have opened parallel probes.
Human rights groups, including UNHCR and Aegean Boat Report, called for an independent international investigation, citing recurring allegations of pushbacks and dangerous interceptions in the Aegean.
The tragedy is one of the deadliest in the Aegean this year and comes amid a sharp rise in migrant crossings from Turkey to Greece’s eastern islands in the winter months, driven by conflict, poverty, and smuggling networks.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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