Collision with Greek Coast Guard Boat Leaves 15 Migrants Dead
At least 15 migrants tragically lost their lives when a speedboat, carrying them across the Aegean Sea, collided with a Greek coast guard vessel near the island of Chios late on Tuesday evening. This incident has intensified scrutiny of Greece’s handling of migrant crossings, following the devastating Pylos shipwreck in June 2023.
Details of the Incident
– The collision occurred in the Chios Strait, close to the village of Vrontados, during a pursuit by the coast guard.
– Reports indicate the speedboat was maneuvering dangerously when the collision happened.
– Twenty-four individuals were rescued, and some suffered serious injuries. Unfortunately, several others remain unaccounted for.
– The speedboat capsized and sank, prompting ongoing search efforts in the vicinity.
Search and Rescue Operations
– A comprehensive search operation was initiated on Wednesday, involving:
– Four coast guard vessels
– A privately owned boat with civilian divers
– A helicopter for aerial support
– The injured included seven children, a pregnant woman, and two coast guard officers. Seven men and seven women were among those rescued, with 11 minors also on board.
Medical Response
– Injuries varied in severity; among them:
– One woman succumbed to her injuries.
– Three individuals underwent surgery due to serious trauma to vital organs.
– Two pregnant women required surgical intervention after evaluations revealed no cardiac activity in their fetuses.
– Many victims received treatment for hypothermia, head injuries, and fractures.
– Two coast guard personnel were also treated; one woman remained hospitalized for further assessments.
Investigation and Aftermath
– The coast guard confirmed the retrieval of 14 bodies—11 men and three women; these were transported to a hospital for autopsies.
– The Central Port Authority of Chios has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
– In a parallel response, Greece’s navy issued a navigational warning, enhancing preparedness in the area for potential further rescues or assistance.
Conclusion
The tragic collision with the Greek coast guard boat that left 15 migrants dead highlights the ongoing crisis surrounding migrant crossings in the Mediterranean. As investigations proceed, the necessity for a reevaluation of search-and-rescue protocols becomes increasingly urgent. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the perilous journeys many migrants undertake in search of safety and stability.