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At Least 15 Dead After Greek Coast Guard Vessel Collides With Migrant Boat Off Chios

Authorities continue searching off Chios as investigators examine how a patrol craft and a high-speed migrant boat came to crash.

Overview

  • Fourteen bodies were recovered from the sea and a wounded woman later died in hospital, bringing the confirmed toll to at least 15.
  • Roughly two dozen survivors, including about 11 children, were rescued and hospitalized, and two coast guard officers were injured.
  • Search-and-rescue operations remain active with multiple patrol boats, a helicopter and divers, and the total number of people aboard is still unknown.
  • In a statement, the Hellenic Coast Guard said the fast boat was running without lights, ignored stop signals, changed course and struck the patrol vessel, though this account has not been independently verified.
  • The crash occurred on a perilous Aegean route frequently used from Turkey to Greek islands, where authorities have increased patrols and enforcement in recent years.