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Greek authorities have opened an internal investigation into a deadly collision between a coast guard vessel and a speedboat carrying migrants near the island of Chios.
The incident occurred on Wednesday during a patrol operation in the Aegean Sea.
What Happened During the Collision
The coast guard said the speedboat was travelling without navigation lights and ignored repeated signals to stop.
Officials said the speedboat suddenly changed course. The impact caused the vessel to capsize and throw passengers into the sea.
At least 15 migrants died in the incident. Rescue teams saved 24 people. Authorities are still searching the area, and the total number of passengers remains unknown.
Two coast guard officers suffered minor injuries.
Camera Was Not Recording
The coast guard confirmed that a camera installed on the patrol vessel was not operating at the time of the collision.
A prosecutor has ordered the arrest of a Moroccan national who was piloting the speedboat.
Frontex Not Involved
An official from Frontex said the EU border agency did not take part in the operation.
Frontex offered to provide an aircraft to support the search and rescue effort. Greek authorities have not requested its deployment.
Past Criticism of Greece’s Coast Guard
Greece has faced repeated criticism over its handling of migrant crossings.
The European Court of Human Rights, the European Commission and Frontex have all raised concerns over alleged pushbacks and weak investigations.
In the 2023 Pylos shipwreck, one of the deadliest disasters in the Mediterranean, an independent probe recommended disciplinary action against coast guard officers for alleged failures.
Political Reactions
Migration Minister Thanos Plevris told parliament that the tragedy highlights the need to combat human smuggling networks.
He described smugglers as criminals who put lives at risk.
The main opposition party Pasok called for a neutral and transparent investigation.
Party spokesperson Dimitris Mantzos said the truth must emerge through proper institutions, without political bias or inflammatory rhetoric.
