Tragic Collision Claims Lives of 14 Migrants in Greece

Wed Feb 04 2026 02:54:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A speedboat carrying migrants collided with the Greek coastguard, resulting in a tragic loss of life and stirring heightened concerns regarding maritime safety and the migrant crisis.

A speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Greek coastguard vessel near Chios, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals. While officials stated that the speedboat was engaged in dangerous maneuvres, a search and rescue operation is currently underway for any survivors, with reports confirming that 24 people were rescued, including children and a pregnant woman. The coastguard is yet to clarify the circumstances of the incident.

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 said the speedboat was making dangerous manoeuvres and that a pursuit was underway at the time of the collision in the Chios Strait, near the village of Vrontades.

Twenty-four people 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.

Injuries reportedly included seven children, a pregnant woman, and two coastguard officers.

The initial death toll was four, but an update later confirmed that ten more bodies had been recovered, raising the total to 14.