Search and rescue operations are continuing in the sea area off Chios following the deadly maritime incident on Tuesday night that left at least 15 migrants dead after a collision involving a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel.
According to the governor of Chios General Hospital, Christos Tsakiris, 23 injured people remain under medical care. These include 22 Afghan nationals and one Coast Guard officer, who is expected to be discharged shortly, protothema.gr reported. Among those hospitalised are ten children aged up to 15, all of whom have been transferred to the paediatric clinic. Hospital officials said that one 13-year-old underwent a lengthy surgical operation due to severe injuries, while two pregnant women, although now out of danger, lost the foetuses they were carrying as a result of the incident.
The Ministry of Shipping has ordered a sworn administrative investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the collision between the Coast Guard patrol boat and the speedboat carrying migrants. Meanwhile, authorities have arrested a Moroccan national who is alleged to have acted as a smuggler; he is expected to appear before an investigating magistrate.
In its initial account, the Coast Guard said the migrant vessel was spotted during a routine patrol, travelling without lights towards the eastern coast of Chios. Officers reported that the boat’s operator ignored repeated light and sound signals to stop and attempted to flee by changing course. During the pursuit, the speedboat reportedly struck the right side of the Coast Guard vessel, capsized and sank, throwing all passengers into the sea.
Search efforts remain ongoing, involving Coast Guard vessels and helicopters from the Hellenic Air Force, including a Super Puma equipped with thermal-imaging cameras to locate any missing persons.
Hospital authorities said the condition of most survivors is stable. Three injured people remain in intensive care, and two children are being treated in a surgical ward, with the possibility of transfer to hospitals in Athens if deemed necessary.
