Survivors Challenge Greek Coastguard Over Deadly Shipwreck

Protesters hold a banner against EU and Greek government policies towards migrants during a protest, following a deadly collision between a migrant boat and a coast guard vessel off the island of Chios, in Athens, Greece, February 5, 2026. 

Survivors of a fatal shipwreck near the Greek island of Chios are disputing the Greek coastguard’s official account of the incident that left 15 Afghan migrants dead. Authorities claim the migrants’ dinghy was traveling without lights, ignored repeated warnings, and suddenly veered into a patrol vessel, causing the collision.

Multiple survivors, however, insist that no warnings were issued and that the dinghy never changed course. They say the coastguard vessel only revealed itself moments before impact, leaving them no time to react. Their testimonies have intensified calls from human rights groups for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The incident has renewed scrutiny of Greece’s border enforcement practices and raised broader concerns about the treatment of migrants attempting the dangerous crossing into Europe.