The Moroccan man who was aboard the migrant boat that sank off Chios has been identified as the smuggler by other survivors. The Ministry of Merchant Shipping has ordered an internal investigation (EDE) to clarify the circumstances of the shipwreck. The Coast Guard confirmed that the vessel’s thermal camera was not used.

The migrant boat ignored the Coast Guard’s visual and audio warnings, reversed course, and collided with the Coast Guard vessel, causing it to capsize and sink.

Rescue operations continue, with authorities searching for any missing persons and gathering evidence to shed light on the circumstances of the incident.

Why the Thermal Camera Was Not Used

According to Coast Guard sources, the vessel is equipped with a thermal camera (electro-optical sensor for thermal imaging) designed to assist radar in detecting and identifying targets at sea. However, the camera was not used in this case because, according to the ship’s captain, the migrant boat had already been located visually and with a land-based observation camera.

Casualties and Injuries

At Chios Hospital, 23 injured people are being treated, including 22 Afghan migrants and one Coast Guard officer, with three patients in the ICU. Among the injured are children under 15, who are being treated in the pediatric ward. The hospital director confirmed there is currently no need for air evacuation.

Details of the Collision

The Coast Guard announced that the speedboat initially failed to comply with the vessel’s visual and audio signals. It then reversed course and collided with the right side of the patrol boat. The impact caused the speedboat to capsize and sink, throwing all passengers into the sea.

The boat that collided with the Coast Guard vessel was approximately eight meters long and carried at least 39 migrants. The incident occurred 1.5 miles off Chios, well within Greek territorial waters. None of the migrants were wearing life jackets. Contrary to earlier reports, no gunfire occurred.

Rescue Operations

The rescue operation involved four Coast Guard patrol vessels, a private boat with divers, and an Air Force helicopter. Twenty-five migrants were rescued and transferred to the Skylitseio Hospital. One woman died at the hospital from severe injuries. Two Coast Guard crew members were also treated, with one discharged and the other remaining under observation.

Ongoing Investigations

The Central Port Authority of Chios is conducting the investigation, while searches continue for any other missing migrants. A total of 15 bodies have been recovered (11 men and 4 women), with autopsies planned at the Skylitseio Hospital.