At least 14 migrants have died after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel off the coast of the island of Chios late on Tuesday. Greek authorities reported that the speedboat was making dangerous maneuvers, and a pursuit was underway at the time of the collision in the Chios Strait, near the village of Vrontades.
Twenty-four individuals were rescued, some of whom were seriously injured, and others are reportedly still missing. The coastguard has not yet clarified the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.
A search and rescue operation was ongoing on Tuesday night, involving four coastguard vessels, a privately-owned boat with civilian divers, and a helicopter. Greek state broadcaster ERT reported that among the injured were seven children, a pregnant woman, and two coastguard officers.
Initially, four deaths were reported; however, an update issued at 23:00 local time indicated that ten additional bodies had been recovered, raising the confirmed death toll to 14.}
Twenty-four individuals were rescued, some of whom were seriously injured, and others are reportedly still missing. The coastguard has not yet clarified the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.
A search and rescue operation was ongoing on Tuesday night, involving four coastguard vessels, a privately-owned boat with civilian divers, and a helicopter. Greek state broadcaster ERT reported that among the injured were seven children, a pregnant woman, and two coastguard officers.
Initially, four deaths were reported; however, an update issued at 23:00 local time indicated that ten additional bodies had been recovered, raising the confirmed death toll to 14.}
