In brief
In a harrowing incident off the coast of Chios, Greece, at least 14 migrants have lost their lives following a collision between their speedboat and a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel. The speedboat was reportedly making dangerous maneuvers prior to the impact, prompting a pursuit by the coast guard. While 24 survivors, including children and pregnant women, have been rescued, the coast guard has yet to provide full details on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
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 executing dangerous maneuvers, leading to a pursuit by the coast guard at the time of the collision in the Chios Strait, near the village of Vrontades.
As a result of the incident, 24 individuals were rescued, some suffering serious injuries, while others remain unaccounted for. The coastguard has not yet clarified the exact circumstances around the collision.
A search and rescue operation was launched on Tuesday night, igniting efforts that involved four coastguard vessels, a privately-owned boat with civilian divers, and a helicopter.
Reports from the Greek state broadcaster ERT indicated that the injured include seven children, a pregnant woman, and two coastguard officers. Initially, four fatalities were reported, but by 11:00 PM local time, ten additional bodies had been recovered, raising the confirmed death toll to 14.
