Greek authorities activated a special crisis management protocol after a deadly boat collision off the island of Chios left 15 migrants dead and dozens injured, officials said, as investigations into the circumstances of the tragedy continue.
The accident occurred when an overloaded inflatable boat carrying 39 migrants collided with a Greek coast guard patrol vessel near the eastern coast of Chios during a nighttime operation. According to official statements, the migrant boat was traveling without navigation lights and did not respond to warning signals. The operator reportedly made a sudden maneuver, leading to a violent impact on the patrol vessel’s right side. The inflatable capsized and sank, throwing all passengers into the sea.
Crisis protocol activated
Following the incident, the Justice Ministry ordered the full implementation of a special crisis management protocol for mass-casualty events. Under the plan, a team of four forensic doctors and three forensic technicians was sent to Chios to coordinate the medico-legal investigation.
A special coordination center is already operating at the Justice Ministry under the head of the national forensic service. Authorities have also arranged with a cemetery near Athens for the transfer and safekeeping of the bodies until identification is completed and remains are returned to relatives.
Rescue and medical response
A large-scale search and rescue operation began about 1.5 nautical miles off Chios near the area of Mirsinidi. The effort involved multiple coast guard patrol boats, a private vessel with volunteer divers, and air support from military helicopters.
Twenty-four people were rescued, including 11 minors. According to the Chios hospital director, 24 migrants are hospitalized — seven men, six women and 11 minors. Five have undergone surgery, one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, and four are being treated in intensive care. Ten are expected to be discharged.
Two to three of the injured are expected to be transferred to hospitals in Athens for further treatment.
Survivors have told authorities they are mostly of Afghan origin, with one Moroccan national also reported.
Casualties and investigation
Authorities confirmed that 15 people — 11 men and four women — died in the collision. Forensic examinations are underway. During recovery operations, coast guard crews retrieved 14 bodies at sea, while one injured woman later died in hospital.
Two members of the coast guard crew were also injured. One has been discharged, while the other remains hospitalized for further tests. The patrol vessel sustained limited damage.
The Chios coast guard is conducting a preliminary investigation and will take statements from both crew members and survivors. Officials say key questions remain about the exact sequence of events and the role of potential smuggling networks.
Conditions at sea
Officials said the inflatable boat, about eight meters long, was heavily overcrowded, with many passengers standing due to lack of space. None were wearing life jackets, and most reportedly had little sea experience. The incident happened in total darkness.
Authorities are examining whether the vessel was intended for a single smuggling route or if its operator was directly linked to a trafficking network.
Search operations for possible missing persons are ongoing, with additional patrol boats and a helicopter continuing to scan the area.
