Fifteen migrants tragically lost their lives in the Aegean Sea after their boat collided with a Greek coast guard vessel, according to officials. The incident occurred near the island of Chios, which is close to the Turkish coast. Greek authorities reported that the coast guard had initially spotted a dinghy carrying migrants and instructed it to return to the Turkish shoreline.
Details about how the collision happened remain under investigation, but it has raised concerns about migrant safety and the ongoing tensions between Greek and Turkish authorities over border and maritime conduct. The identities and nationalities of those who died have not been disclosed.
The Greek coast guard has responded by providing assistance to the remaining migrants and is working with other agencies to address the incident. This incident adds to the ongoing challenges faced by Greece and Turkey in managing irregular migration across the Aegean Sea, a critical route for many seeking refuge or better opportunities in Europe.