Greece's Migrant Tragedy: Smugglers or Coastguard Fault?

Thu Feb 05 2026 01:34:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

With the deaths of 15 migrants after a collision in Greek waters, officials point fingers at smugglers. Yet, narratives surrounding such incidents raise questions about the truth behind the tragedy.

Greek authorities have blamed smugglers for the deaths of 15 migrants following a collision with a coastguard vessel. However, historical accounts suggest skepticism regarding immediate conclusions from the government, as survivors from previous incidents have often provided conflicting narratives. The situation emphasizes ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrants at sea and highlights the need for thorough investigations.

The death of 15 Afghan and Moroccan migrants after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Greek coastguard vessel has been presented by Greek authorities as an open and shut case.

A statement issued late on Tuesday blamed smugglers for failing to comply with the [Hellenic] Coast Guard's visual and audible signals to turn their boat around.

It said the migrant boat was making dangerous manoeuvres before veering into a patrol vessel, off the Chios Strait, which caused the deaths and injuries of 24 others attempting to reach Europe. But experience tells us to be wary of such instant and unequivocal explanations.

In the summer of 2023, I arrived in the southern Greek port city of Kalamata on the same day more than 650 migrants were feared to have drowned, and an official narrative had emerged blaming criminal gangs for cramming too many people into an unsafe fishing boat.

However, survivors claimed that the coastguard had caused the migrant boat to capsize during a botched towing attempt. Initially, the details provided led to contradictions emerging, revealing the complexity of the situation.

Four high-ranking coastguard officials are now facing prosecution for negligent manslaughter, marking a severe accountability measure following years of scrutiny of Greece's handling of migrant incidents.

While the current incident near Chios has been characterized by Greek media as the result of the migrant boat's dangerous actions, the absence of survivor testimonies to corroborate this account is troubling.

This call for transparency comes amidst ongoing criticism of the Greek coastguard's operational methods and accusations of human rights violations concerning asylum seekers. Without independent verification of the circumstances surrounding recent migrant tragedies, the truth remains elusive in the complex interplay of duty, safety, and accountability.

As Greece continues to grapple with its role as a primary entry point for migrants into Europe, the need for clarity and humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum becomes ever more pressing.