14 Dead After Migrant Boat Collides with Greek Coast Guard Vessel Near Chios
The Greek Coast Guard has announced that 14 people died following a collision between a migrant boat and one of its vessels in the Aegean Sea near the island of Chios. The incident occurred while coast guard forces were patrolling the area.
According to Reuters, a Greek coast guard official stated that they spotted a small migrant boat and ordered its passengers to change course and return. Shortly afterward, the boat collided with the coast guard ship.
The report indicates that two Greek coast guard officers were injured in the incident and were taken to hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, 24 migrants were rescued from the water.
A Greek government official said the boat carried approximately 35 people in total. The Greek Coast Guard added that search and rescue operations, involving ships and auxiliary boats, are ongoing in the area. This operation highlights once again the serious dangers of migration routes across European waters.
