Urgent Investigations Launched After Chios Migrant Tragedy at island of Chios
A tragic incident off the coast of Chios has left 15 Afghan migrants dead, prompting urgent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the disaster. The collision between a migrant boat and a Coast Guard vessel has raised serious questions about the response of authorities and the events leading up to the wreck. As inquiries unfold, survivors and officials are providing conflicting accounts of the fateful night.
Details of the Incident
On Tuesday night, around 9 p.m., a Coast Guard patrol boat detected an inflatable vessel carrying approximately 40 migrants between Chios and Oinousses. According to official reports, the Coast Guard attempted to halt the boat using sirens and loudspeakers. However, the operator allegedly accelerated and collided with the patrol vessel, causing the migrant boat to capsize and throw its passengers into the sea.
Rescue operations led to the recovery of 14 bodies, while one woman succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. A total of 24 survivors, including 11 children, were rescued and hospitalized, suffering from fractures and internal injuries linked to the collision. Coast Guard sources indicated that the migrant boat was traveling at speeds nearing 30 knots, a claim that has been met with skepticism by maritime experts who question the feasibility of such speed during the incident.
Survivors have provided testimony that complicates the narrative. Some reported that the Coast Guard vessel shone a spotlight on them during the chase, instilling fear and contributing to the chaotic maneuvering that led to the collision. They described the operator turning sharply, which resulted in the boat striking the Coast Guard vessel and capsizing.
Ongoing Investigations and Reactions
In response to the tragedy, the Chios Port Authority has initiated a preliminary inquiry, while the Coast Guard has ordered a sworn administrative investigation. Independent bodies, including the national ombudsman, are also expected to conduct their own probes into the incident. A senior Coast Guard inspector has been assigned to oversee the inquiry.
Notably, the patrol boat’s camera was not activated during the incident, raising further concerns about the transparency of the investigation. All survivors are reported to be Afghan nationals, except for one Moroccan man who is currently hospitalized under guard after being arrested on suspicion of smuggling.
As the investigations progress, the community on Chios is grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. Demonstrators have taken to the streets, holding placards and demanding accountability from authorities regarding their response to the migrant crisis. The situation remains fluid, with many awaiting answers about how such a devastating event could occur and what measures will be taken to prevent future tragedies at sea.
