Athens: According to a coast guard official, patrol forces spotted a rubber boat carrying migrants heading toward the island of Chios, located a short distance from the Turkish coast, and ordered it to turn back. During the operation, smugglers allegedly attempted a maneuver toward the coast guard vessel, triggering a collision.
The incident occurred in the Aegean Sea, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 migrants. A second coast guard official said two officers were injured in the collision and were taken to hospital, while 24 migrants were rescued from the water.
Greece, situated at the southeastern edge of the European Union, has for years been a major entry point for migrants and refugees fleeing conflict and hardship in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
A tragic collision in the Aegean Sea near the Greek island of Chios resulted in the deaths of 14 migrants. The incident occurred when smugglers attempted a risky maneuver, leading to a collision with a coast guard vessel. Two officers were injured, and 24 migrants were rescued. Greece remains a key entry point for migrants fleeing conflict.