Migrant boat capsizes off Greece coast, 15 deaths reported in Aegean Sea
After 50 migrants died in Tunisia due to a boat capsize last month, another migrant boat capsized off the Greek island of Chios, in the eastern Aegean Sea. At least 15 people died, while dozens more were pulled from the water by rescuers.
Greek officials said it happened just a few miles from Turkey’s coast. Smugglers often use this route because it’s short but dangerous. The Greek Coast Guard said one of its patrol boats collided with the migrant speedboat. The speedboat then flipped over, sank, and went underwater.
Rescue teams started a large search. Patrol boats rushed to the area, while divers and helicopters helped look for people. Officials said 25 people, including children, were rescued and taken for medical care. Some survivors were in serious condition.
The dead included men and women. One woman died later in the hospital, after being rescued alive. Authorities have not confirmed how many people were on the speedboat in total, and search crews have been looking for possible missing passengers.
Officials blamed human smugglers for pushing people into risky crossings. They said the speedboat was travelling without navigation lights and did not follow the signals to stop. The Coast Guard said the speedboat changed direction and collided with the patrol vessel, leading to the capsize.
The tragedy has sparked new concerns. Human rights groups have long criticised Greece’s strict border policies and say there should be clear, independent investigations whenever people die at sea. Greek officials said they have opened an investigation to determine exactly what happened.
Chios is close to one of the main entry points into Europe. Many people attempting the crossing are escaping war, poverty, or instability, and they often pay smugglers large amounts of money. But high-speed boats, rough weather, and fear on the water can turn a short journey into a tragedy in just minutes.
For survivors, the risks do not end with rescue. Many arrive exhausted, injured, and traumatised. Local hospitals and aid workers often face pressure during sudden mass arrivals. The latest deaths are a reminder that, in the Aegean, the margin for safety is very small.
#MigrantBoatCapsize #Greece #Chios #AegeanSea #GreekCoastGuard #RescueOperation #SmugglingNetworks #SeaCrossing #EasternAegean #TurkeyRoute #MaritimeTragedy #BorderSafety #AsylumSeekers
Migrant boat capsizes off Greece coast, 15 deaths reported in Aegean Sea
After 50 migrants died in Tunisia due to a boat capsize last month, another migrant boat capsized off the Greek island of Chios, in the eastern Aegean Sea. At least 15 people died, while dozens more were pulled from the water by rescuers.
Greek officials said it happened just a few miles from Turkey’s coast. Smugglers often use this route because it’s short but dangerous. The Greek Coast Guard said one of its patrol boats collided with the migrant speedboat. The speedboat then flipped over, sank, and went underwater.
Rescue teams started a large search. Patrol boats rushed to the area, while divers and helicopters helped look for people. Officials said 25 people, including children, were rescued and taken for medical care. Some survivors were in serious condition.
The dead included men and women. One woman died later in the hospital, after being rescued alive. Authorities have not confirmed how many people were on the speedboat in total, and search crews have been looking for possible missing passengers.
Officials blamed human smugglers for pushing people into risky crossings. They said the speedboat was travelling without navigation lights and did not follow the signals to stop. The Coast Guard said the speedboat changed direction and collided with the patrol vessel, leading to the capsize.
The tragedy has sparked new concerns. Human rights groups have long criticised Greece’s strict border policies and say there should be clear, independent investigations whenever people die at sea. Greek officials said they have opened an investigation to determine exactly what happened.
Chios is close to one of the main entry points into Europe. Many people attempting the crossing are escaping war, poverty, or instability, and they often pay smugglers large amounts of money. But high-speed boats, rough weather, and fear on the water can turn a short journey into a tragedy in just minutes.
For survivors, the risks do not end with rescue. Many arrive exhausted, injured, and traumatised. Local hospitals and aid workers often face pressure during sudden mass arrivals. The latest deaths are a reminder that, in the Aegean, the margin for safety is very small.
#MigrantBoatCapsize #Greece #Chios #AegeanSea #GreekCoastGuard #RescueOperation #SmugglingNetworks #SeaCrossing #EasternAegean #TurkeyRoute #MaritimeTragedy #BorderSafety #AsylumSeekers
