Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Greek officials confirmed that a Greek coast guard vessel collided with a smuggling boat carrying illegal immigrants near the island of Chios in eastern Greece on the evening of the 3rd, resulting in at least 14 deaths, more than 20 injuries, and several people missing.
It is reported that the accident occurred at approximately 9 PM local time. A speedboat carrying illegal immigrants, originating from Turkey, attempted to disembark the migrants. A coast guard vessel spotted the speedboat and gave chase, preventing it from approaching the beach, during which a collision occurred.
A statement released by the Greek Coast Guard indicated that the deceased included 12 men and 2 women. The accident also injured 2 coast guard officers and several illegal immigrants, including 7 children and a pregnant woman. All the injured have been transported to a local hospital on Chios for treatment.
Following the accident, Greek authorities immediately launched a large-scale search and rescue operation. Survivors reported that some people are still missing, and search and rescue efforts are continuing in the affected waters.
Chios Island, located in the eastern Aegean Sea, is only about 8 kilometers from the Turkish coast and is one of the main sea routes for illegal immigrants traveling from Turkey to Greece. In recent years, smuggling activities in the region have been frequent, and Greek law enforcement agencies have strengthened maritime patrols.
