Greek coast guard officers carry out rescue operations at a port on the eastern Aegean island of Chios, Greece, late Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, after a collision between a migrant speedboat and a coast guard patrol vessel killed multiple people, authorities said
A deadly migrant speedboat collision unfolded near the Greek island of Chios on Tuesday night.
At least 15 people lost their lives after a speedboat carrying migrants struck a Greek coast guard vessel.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene as fears grew over missing passengers.
Deadly Night in the Eastern Aegean
The collision occurred off Chios, an eastern Aegean island close to Turkey.
Greek coast guard officials confirmed the incident late Tuesday.
Search and rescue efforts began immediately after the crash.
Fourteen bodies were initially recovered from the sea.
They included 11 men and three women.
Another injured woman later died in hospital, raising the death toll to 15.
Survivors Pulled From the Sea
Rescue teams saved 25 migrants from the water.
Among them were around 11 children.
All survivors were taken to a hospital on Chios for treatment.
Two coast guard officers were also injured during the migrant speedboat collision.
They were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Medical teams remained on high alert throughout the night.
Search Continues for the Missing
Authorities said the total number of people aboard the speedboat remains unknown.
This uncertainty has complicated rescue operations.
Officials fear more passengers may still be missing.
The search involved four coast guard patrol vessels.
An air force helicopter scanned the area from above.
A private boat carrying divers joined the effort.
Operations continued despite difficult nighttime conditions.
The coast guard said updates would follow as searches progressed.
Scenes of Chaos at the Harbor
Local media footage captured dramatic scenes at the harbor.
One person was carried ashore wrapped in a blanket.
Blue lights flashed as coast guard vehicles waited nearby.
Other survivors helped guide two children toward emergency vehicles.
One child appeared injured and struggled to walk.
The images highlighted the human cost of the tragedy.
Hospitals on Emergency Footing
Hospitals on Chios were placed on emergency readiness.
Medical staff prepared for a sudden influx of patients.
Several injured migrants required immediate surgery.
Michalis Giannakos, head of Greece’s hospital workers’ union, confirmed the response.
He said doctors and nurses were fully mobilized.
Staff remained on standby for possible additional survivors.
Cause of Collision Still Unclear
Authorities have not explained how the migrant speedboat collision occurred.
An investigation is expected once rescue operations conclude.
Weather conditions and vessel movements are under review.
Officials declined to speculate while searches continued.
More details are expected in the coming days.
Greece’s Ongoing Migration Challenge
Greece remains a key entry point into the European Union.
Many migrants flee conflict, poverty, or instability.
They often attempt the dangerous crossing from Turkey to nearby islands.
Fatal maritime accidents have become a recurring tragedy.
Short distances do not reduce the risks involved.
Overcrowded boats and nighttime crossings increase danger.
Tougher Border Policies Across Europe
Greek authorities have increased patrols in recent years.
Crossing attempts have declined as enforcement tightened.
Human rights groups, however, allege illegal pushbacks.
Across Europe, migration rules are becoming stricter.
The European Union recently approved major system reforms.
These include faster deportations and expanded detention measures.
Migration remains deeply divisive within the EU.
Public opinion has shifted since the 2015 migrant surge.
Far-right parties have gained influence across several countries.
Tragedy Highlights Ongoing Risks
The migrant speedboat collision near Chios underscores ongoing dangers.
Desperate journeys continue despite stricter controls.
For many, the sea remains both a route and a grave.
