15 dead, 25 injured as Coast Guard vessel, speedboat collide off Greek island

Fifteen people on the move have reportedly died after their speed boat collided with Coast Guard vessel off Greek Island.

 A post by Aegean Boat Report said 25 people were injured in the incident.

Writing under the heading ‘Fatal Incident Off Chios – 15 dead 25 injured’  Aegean Boat Report said : “On the evening of Tuesday, 3 February 2026, a serious and fatal incident occurred at sea off the Greek island of Chios, in the sea area of Myrsinidi, involving a patrol vessel of the Hellenic Coast Guard and a speedboat carrying people on the move.

According to updated information from Greek media and official sources, the speedboat was approaching the coast of Chios from the Turkish side when it was intercepted in an attempt to prevent it from reaching land. During the operation, a collision occurred between the Coast Guard vessel and the speedboat. Several media outlets report that the incident followed a high-speed pursuit, and there are also reports of a possible exchange of gunfire, though these claims remain disputed and unconfirmed.

Updated facts (information remains uncertain and subject to change)

15 people confirmed dead

– 11 males and 4 females

– Two women were reported to be pregnant

– At least two children are reported to be among the dead

At least 25 people injured

– 7 male, 7 feemail and 11 children

– One pregnant woman is reported to be seriously injured

25 people have been transported to hospital

– Several are reported to be in critical condition

The total number of people on board remains unknown

– Estimates in Greek media range from around 30 to over 40 people

– It is unclear whether additional people are missing

– As long as the exact number on board is not confirmed, the death toll may rise

Two Coast Guard officers were reported injured with minor injuries

A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched under the coordination of the National Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (EKSED), involving multiple Coast Guard vessels, a private boat with divers, and an Air Force helicopter equipped with thermal cameras. Search operations by sea and air are ongoing.

The hospital on Chios was placed on emergency footing, with all available medical staff called in to handle the large number of injured, including children and pregnant women.

Unclear and conflicting information

At the time of writing, reliable facts remain difficult to establish. Greek media reports differ regarding:

The number of people on board

Whether the incident occurred during manoeuvres to immobilise the boat or during a high-speed chase

Whether shots were fired during the incident

Official statements describe the event as a collision during an operation to stop a “suspicious vessel,” while other reports indicate a dangerous interception close to shore.

Context

What is clear is that this incident occurred while Greek authorities were attempting to stop a boat from reaching Greek territory, once again resulting in loss of life. The Greek Coast Guard has been repeatedly criticised in the past for interception practices that place people at serious risk, particularly when carried out against overcrowded and unstable boats carrying children and other vulnerable individuals.

Based on available footage and the high number of children reported on board, there are strong indications that the people involved were mostly Afghan nationals, although nationalities have not yet been officially confirmed.

Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.