A deadly incident involving a migrant boat and a Greek coast guard patrol vessel off the island of Chios has left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured, authorities said, as search and rescue operations continue in the area.

The collision occurred shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday in waters near Chios, close to the area of Mersinidi, when a coast guard patrol encountered a speedboat believed to be carrying irregular migrants and allegedly linked to a smuggling network. According to the latest official updates, the death toll has risen to 15, including 11 men and four women.

Authorities say around 35 people were on board the migrant boat. After the collision, several passengers fell into the sea, triggering an immediate large-scale rescue operation.

Four coast guard vessels, a private boat with divers, and aerial assets are searching the area for possible missing persons. A military Super Puma helicopter is conducting flights using thermal cameras to locate survivors. The sea zone remains under strict monitoring, with additional coast guard units deployed from nearby islands.

It remains unclear which vessel struck the other, as both were reportedly moving at speed during the encounter. Officials describe the collision as particularly violent, a factor reflected in the severity of injuries among survivors.

Reports of possible gunfire during the incident have not been confirmed, as the injuries of those rescued so far do not support that scenario.

Emergency medical services responded immediately, dispatching five ambulances. So far, 25 injured migrants have been admitted to Chios General Hospital. Three are undergoing surgery for severe injuries to vital organs and the head, while others are hospitalized for treatment.

Hospital officials also reported that two pregnant women who were injured in the incident lost their unborn babies.

Two coast guard officers were also injured and hospitalized. One suffered a shoulder dislocation and the other a concussion.

Local officials described an extraordinary mobilization at the island’s hospital, with medical staff gathering to handle the influx of critical cases and perform emergency surgeries.

Meanwhile, specialized units from the shipping ministry, along with coast guard authorities, are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident and the potential involvement of human smuggling networks.