
Tue Feb 03 22:40:41 UTC 2026: ### Deadly Collision in Aegean Sea Highlights Ongoing Migrant Crisis and Scrutiny of Greek Coast Guard
The Story:
A tragic incident occurred in the Aegean Sea near Chios, Greece, on Tuesday, [Insert Date Here] when a boat carrying migrants collided with a Greek Coast Guard vessel, resulting in at least 14 fatalities. The collision occurred around 9 pm local time, off the coast of Chios’s Mersinidi area. A search-and-rescue operation is underway, but the exact number of migrants on board the speedboat remains unclear.
Key Points:
- At least 14 people died in the collision between a migrant boat and a Greek Coast Guard vessel near Chios.
- The incident happened around 9 pm local time on Tuesday.
- 26 people were rescued, including 24 migrants and 2 Coast Guard officers.
- The number of people aboard the migrant boat is currently unknown.
- The Greek Coast Guard claims the migrant boat “manoeuvred toward” their vessel after being instructed to turn back.
- Greece has faced scrutiny regarding its treatment of migrants, including allegations of pushbacks and a previous shipwreck in 2023 where hundreds died.
Key Takeaways:
- This incident underscores the continued perilous journey faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Aegean Sea.
- The Greek Coast Guard’s account of the event clashes with previous accusations of aggressive tactics and human rights violations, requiring further investigation.
- The incident is likely to intensify the scrutiny of Greece’s migration policies and border control practices by international organizations and human rights groups.