Minimum of Fourteen People Die after Speedboat Collided off of Chios

(MENAFN) At least 14 people have died after a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Greek Coast Guard vessel near the island of Chios, local authorities reported late Tuesday.

The accident happened Tuesday evening close to Mirsinidi Beach. Rescue teams recovered 14 bodies from the water, according to public broadcaster ERT, citing the Greek Coast Guard.

Several migrants were injured, including seven children and two pregnant women, and were taken to hospitals for treatment. Two Coast Guard officers—a female with a concussion and a male with an arm injury—were also hospitalized.

Four migrants remain in critical condition, suffering from severe injuries such as liver rupture, collapsed lung, splenic rupture, and traumatic brain injuries.

In response, Greek authorities launched a major search and rescue operation, deploying a private boat with civilian divers and a military helicopter equipped with thermal imaging. The Defense Ministry confirmed that an Air Force Super Puma helicopter also joined the efforts.

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