Chios: Fatal Clash Between Migrant Smugglers and Coast Guard

A serious incident occurred off Chios on Tuesday night (03.02.2026) between the crew of a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel and migrant smugglers aboard a rubber boat heading toward Chios’ shores. According to reports, the Coast Guard vessel detected the boat and signaled it to turn back. During the attempted interception, a collision occurred, followed by an exchange of gunfire, resulting in multiple injuries among the migrants onboard. Several wounded individuals—including 18 irregular migrants (one pregnant woman) and two Coast Guard personnel—were evacuated to Chios General Hospital (Skylitsio) via EKAB ambulances; all are reported stable. A joint search-and-rescue operation is underway with Hellenic Coast Guard units, the Hellenic Air Force, and a Super Puma helicopter equipped with thermal imaging to locate possible survivors or missing persons at sea. The incident site remains under strict control, with investigative teams from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ Intelligence Service deployed to identify those involved and clarify circumstances. No official casualty confirmation has been issued yet, though eyewitnesses report multiple severe injuries.