The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed its deep sorrow over the latest tragic incident off the coast of Chios, in which at least 15 people lost their lives and 24 children, women, and men were injured. The agency stressed the urgent need for continuous protection of human life at sea.

UNHCR teams are present at the hospital, providing support to survivors, including access to interpretation services and legal assistance where needed. Although the exact circumstances of the incident have not yet been clarified, UNHCR underlined the importance of full transparency and thorough investigation of search and rescue operations.

“These deaths could have been avoided”

“From 2015 to 2025, 3,148 people have died or gone missing in the Aegean Sea — incidents that could have been avoided,” UNHCR said in its statement.

The agency also emphasized that states must do more to resolve conflicts and address the root causes that force people to undertake dangerous journeys. This includes supporting countries of first asylum, creating safe and legal pathways, and, above all, taking effective measures to prevent further loss of life at sea.

“The protection of human life is both a legal and humanitarian obligation that requires the cooperation of all,” the statement concluded.