Greek authorities are proceeding with the arrest of a Moroccan national who was aboard the migrant boat that capsized off the coast of Chios, killing 15 people, after survivors identified him as the alleged smuggler.
The arrest was ordered by the island’s public prosecutor following the deadly incident late on Tuesday night off the Myrsinidi coastline. According to authorities, all migrants aboard the vessel were Afghan nationals.
Search and rescue operations ongoing
Air and sea search operations remain under way in the area where the tragedy occurred, with helicopters and patrol vessels scouring the waters for possible missing persons, as well as for debris and evidence that could clarify the circumstances of the collision.
At the same time, the Ministry of Shipping has ordered an internal administrative investigation to determine how the incident unfolded and what preceded the crash.
Three injured in intensive care
According to the director of Chios General Hospital, Christos Tsakiris, a total of 23 injured people are currently being treated. These include 22 Afghan migrants and one member of the coast guard.
While the injured coast guard officer is reported to be in good condition, three of the migrants remain in intensive care. Among the injured are children up to the age of 15, who are being treated in the paediatric unit. At this stage, there is no need for air evacuation, hospital officials said.
Coast guard account of the incident
In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, the Hellenic Coast Guard provided details of how the incident occurred.
According to the statement, a coast guard patrol vessel spotted a fast inflatable boat carrying migrants without navigation lights, heading towards the eastern coast of Chios. When the patrol vessel signalled the boat to stop using light and sound warnings, the operator failed to comply, changed course and collided with the patrol vessel’s starboard side.
The force of the impact caused the inflatable boat to overturn and sink, throwing all passengers into the sea.
Casualties and survivors
Authorities said the inflatable boat was approximately eight metres long and was carrying at least 39 people. The collision occurred about 1.5 nautical miles off Chios, clearly within Greek territorial waters.
It was also confirmed that none of the migrants was wearing a life jacket. Officials stressed that, contrary to earlier reports, no shots were fired during the incident.
Fourteen bodies were recovered from the sea, while one woman later died in hospital from her injuries, bringing the death toll to 15. Of the survivors, 25 foreign nationals were rescued injured and taken to hospital, including seven men, seven women and 11 minors.
Two coast guard crew members were also transferred to hospital. The male officer has since been discharged, while the female officer remains under observation.
Investigation continues
A full investigation is being conducted by the Central Port Authority of Chios, while search and rescue operations continue with the participation of multiple coast guard vessels, a private boat carrying civilian divers, and helicopters from the Hellenic Air Force.
Authorities say further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
Source: protothema.gr