The Hellenic Coast Guard has released an official account of the fatal maritime incident off Chios on Tuesday night, in which 15 people lost their lives. According to the statement, a smuggling speedboat collided with a Coast Guard patrol vessel during an attempted interception, leading to its capsizing and sinking.
Incident location and initial contact
According to the announcement, a Hellenic Coast Guard inflatable patrol vessel was conducting a scheduled patrol when it detected an inflatable speedboat carrying foreign nationals. The vessel was moving without navigation lights towards the eastern coast of Chios, in the sea area of Myrsinidi.
Failure to comply with signals
The operator of the speedboat did not comply with the visual and audible signals issued by the Coast Guard patrol vessel. Instead, the speedboat changed course, after which a collision occurred with the starboard side of the patrol vessel.
Collision and sinking of the vessel
The Coast Guard states that the force of the impact caused the speedboat to overturn and sink. As a result, all passengers on board were thrown into the sea.
Search and rescue operation
A search and rescue operation was immediately launched under the coordination of the Hellenic Coast Guard’s Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Centre. Four Coast Guard patrol vessels and one private vessel with civilian divers took part in the operation. Two helicopters of the Hellenic Air Force also participated from the air.
Injured survivors and hospital transfers
A total of 25 foreign nationals, comprising seven men, seven women and 11 minors, were recovered injured by a Coast Guard patrol vessel and transferred to the port of Chios. From there, they were taken to Skilitsio General Hospital. One woman later died in hospital.
Two members of the Coast Guard patrol vessel crew, one man and one woman, were also transferred to hospital. The male crew member has been discharged, while the female crew member remains hospitalised for further examinations.
Recovery of victims
During the search operation, two Coast Guard patrol vessels recovered a total of 14 bodies, including 11 men and three women. The bodies were transferred to the port of Chios and then to Skilitsio General Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The total number of deceased stands at 15.
Investigation and ongoing searches
A preliminary investigation is being carried out by the Central Port Authority of Chios. Searches for any potentially missing persons continue, involving five Coast Guard patrol vessels and a Coast Guard helicopter. Further updates will be issued through official announcements.