An unfolding tragedy on Chios has left at least fifteen people dead following a violent encounter between a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol and a vessel carrying migrants. According to official reports, the deceased include eleven men and four women, all adults. Search and rescue operations remain underway as the exact number of passengers remains unknown and several individuals have been reported missing.
In a heartbreaking development, medical authorities confirmed two pregnant women who were rushed to Chios Hospital lost their unborn children. A total of twenty-five individuals have been injured, including ten children, two pregnant women, and two Coast Guard officers. Three victims underwent emergency surgery for life-threatening injuries, including a ruptured spleen, liver lacerations, and pneumothorax.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night off the coast of Vrontados. According to the Coast Guard, a patrol boat spotted the vessel and signaled it to stop. According to reports, the smugglers’ boat allegedly attempted to ram the Coast Guard vessel. A collision ensued during the attempt to intercept the boat, resulting in mass casualties. While initial reports suggested gunfire had been exchanged, these claims remain unconfirmed.
A massive rescue effort was launched immediately, involving Coast Guard vessels and a Super Puma helicopter equipped with thermal imaging. Chios Hospital has been placed on high alert, with POEDHN President Michalis Giannakos praising the “herculean efforts” of the medical staff.
Clash in Parliament over Chios tragedy
The Chios tragedy, which claimed the lives of fifteen migrants on Tuesday night, took center stage in Parliament today, as the opposition demanded a full briefing on the incident.
Minister of Migration and Asylum, Thanos Plevris, described the event as proof of the ongoing war against “murderous smugglers,” who he claims are solely responsible for the tragedy. He emphasized that the current bill includes provisions to toughen penalties for traffickers.
Opposition parties reacted sharply, questioning the government’s narrative and demanding transparency:
- Plefsi Eleftherias: Alexandros Kazamias accused the Minister of using “xenophobic rhetoric” and demanded specific data on how the handling of the situation led to fifteen deaths.
- SYRIZA: Christos Giannoulis noted that, while they acknowledge the Coast Guard’s efforts, Greece remains under international scrutiny for its respect for human rights. He called for a detailed report.
- PASOK: Dimitris Mantzos stressed that the state has a “moral obligation” to conduct a deep investigation, reminding the house that the deadly Pylos shipwreck occurred only months ago.
- KKE: Nikos Karathanasopoulos called the event “a new crime” and asked whether safety protocols were followed or if “pushback” maneuvers were ordered.
- Greek Solution & New Left: Both parties criticized the government’s policy as a failure, with Sia Anagnostopoulou (New Left) accusing Plevris of rhetoric that “disregards human life.”
Official investigation into Chios migrant tragedy
Vice President of the Parliament, Ioannis Plakiotakis, expressed the House’s deep sorrow and confirmed that an official investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy and what led to it.
While migratory flows to the Aegean islands have decreased recently—with only 33 arrivals in Chios so far this February—the region remains a flashpoint. In response to shifting patterns, Migration Minister Thanos Plevris submitted an amendment on Tuesday for the establishment of three EU-funded reception centers on Crete, which saw nearly 20,000 arrivals in 2025.
Greece has come under scrutiny for its treatment of migrants and refugees approaching by sea, including one shipwreck in 2023 in which hundreds of migrants died after what witnesses said was the Coast Guard’s attempt to tow their trawler.
The EU border agency reported last year that it was reviewing twelve cases of potential human rights violations by Greece, including some allegations migrants seeking asylum were pushed back from Greece’s shores. Greece rejects violations of human rights and the use of force in driving away asylum seekers from its shores.
This is a developing story.
