Fifteen migrants died after their boat collided with a Greek coast guard vessel, capsized and sank off the island of Chios in the Aegean Sea late on Tuesday. The incident occurred when a migrant boat ignored signals from a coast guard patrol vessel and changed course. All those on board were thrown into the sea, and 14 adults have been recovered so far, with one woman later dying in hospital.
Two pregnant women suffered miscarriages, while at least three survivors were in critical condition. The coast guard rescued 25 others, including seven women, seven men, and 11 minors. An investigation has been ordered by the shipping ministry.
Most of the migrants on board were Afghans, with one Moroccan survivor considered a suspect. Greece has long been a gateway to Europe for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The latest tragedy has renewed scrutiny of Greece's treatment of migrants and refugees approaching by sea.
Hundreds of migrants died in a shipwreck in 2023 after what witnesses said was the coast guard's attempt to tow their trawler. Rights groups have accused authorities of deploying an interception instead of a search-and-rescue operation, citing systematic deterrence and non-rescue practices that result in loss of human lives. Greece says it respects international law and human rights and that its coast guard has saved thousands of people.
This tragedy highlights the risks faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea, often due to inadequate safety measures and unclear navigation rules. The Greek government must take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that its coast guard is equipped to respond effectively in emergency situations.
