A speedboat carrying passengers believed to be migrants collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel in the Myrsinidio Sea off Chios, capsizing and sinking in the early hours of Tuesday. Rescue teams recovered 25 people and 14 bodies; one rescued woman later died, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 15. The Central Port Authority of Chios has opened a preliminary investigation and searches for missing passengers continue. Authorities have noted inconsistencies in the initial breakdown of rescued passengers and are working to reconcile figures.
At Least 15 Dead After Migrant-Filled Speedboat Collides With Hellenic Coast Guard Vessel Off Chios
Emergency responders near the scene of the boat crash in Chios on February 4, 2026Handout / Eurokinissi / AFP via Getty
At least 15 people have died after a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel off the eastern coast of the Greek island of Chios. The Coast Guard said the accident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in the Myrsinidio Sea and confirmed details in a statement issued on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Incident Details
According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the speedboat—identified as an RSV—was traveling toward Chios without navigation lights. A coast guard patrol vessel approached the craft and issued light and sound signals. The release said the speedboat's operator did not comply, reversed course and the two vessels collided.
Ambulance at the port on the eastern Aegean island of Chios on February 3, 2026Handout / Eurokinissi / AFP via Getty
“Due to the severity of the impact, the RSV capsized and sank, causing all of its passengers to fall into the sea,” the Coast Guard statement said.
Search, Rescue and Casualties
Authorities launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation involving four Hellenic Coast Guard patrol boats, a private boat with divers and two Air Force helicopters. One patrol boat recovered 25 people from the water; those survivors were taken to hospital. The Coast Guard later reported that one of the hospitalized women died.
Rescue teams also recovered 14 bodies from the sea—reported as 11 men and three women—bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 15. Officials say the passengers are believed to be migrants and searches for additional missing people are ongoing.
Paramedics at the port on the eastern Aegean island of Chios, on February 4, 2026Handout / Eurokinissi / AFP via Getty
Investigation
The Central Port Authority of Chios has opened a preliminary investigation into the collision. Agencies continue search efforts while authorities work to clarify the identities and the exact number of people on board.
Note on Reported Figures
The Coast Guard's published breakdown of rescued passengers contains inconsistent numbers; officials have not yet provided a reconciled passenger manifest. Reporting here follows official statements while noting the discrepancy.
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