By order of the Chios public prosecutor, the Moroccan man who was aboard the migrants’ boat that capsized last night off the coast of Myrsinidi will be arrested. The shipwreck resulted in 15 deaths and 25 people injured, including two coast guard officers.

The Moroccan national has been identified as the smuggler of the illegal migrants. It is noted that all migrants aboard the vessel were Afghan nationals.

Authorities Sweep the Area

Helicopters and patrol boats are “scouring” the area both for any missing persons and for objects or evidence that will help shed light on the circumstances under which the fatal collision occurred. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Merchant Shipping has ordered the launch of an internal administrative investigation to clarify both the conditions of the collision and what exactly preceded it.

Three injured in intensive care

According to Christos Tsakiris, director of Chios Hospital, 23 injured people are being treated at the hospital: 22 Afghan nationals and one coast guard officer.

As Mr. Tsakiris stated, the condition of the coast guard officer is good. However, three of the remaining injured are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Among the injured are children up to 15 years old, who are being hospitalized in the pediatric ward. According to the same source, there is currently no need for medical air evacuation.

Christos Tsiahris, Director of Chios Hospital

“The smugglers’ boat hit us from the side, capsized and sank”

The Hellenic Coast Guard issued a statement on Wednesday morning regarding the tragedy that occurred on Tuesday night (February 3) in Chios, in which 15 people lost their lives, providing details on how the incident unfolded.

According to the statement, the operator of the speedboat initially failed to comply with the light and sound signals of the Coast Guard vessel and instead changed course, leading to a collision between the speedboat and the starboard side of the Coast Guard patrol vessel.

The statement adds that “due to the force of the collision, the speedboat capsized and sank, resulting in all those on board falling into the sea.”

According to informed sources, the inflatable boat that struck the Coast Guard vessel was approximately 8 meters long and was carrying at least 39 migrants.

The same sources explained that the collision occurred 1.5 nautical miles from Chios, “clearly within Greek territorial waters.” It is also noted that, according to new information, none of the migrants were wearing life jackets.

Watch video from the Coast Guard vessel