Infant among migrants dead after boat collision near Greece off Lesvos
Collision off Lesvos
The speedboat was carrying people from Turkey when it overturned after colliding with a Greek coast guard vessel. The incident happened about 3.5 nautical miles south of Agrilia, on Lesvos, early Monday, Greek authorities said.
Suspected smuggler arrested
Authorities arrested a 37-year-old Turkish national who survived the incident. They identified him as the suspected smuggler and operator of the speedboat.
Greece vows action
Kikilias said the government’s stance toward smugglers was “non-negotiable,” adding that it had “zero tolerance,” in a post on X. Greece has long served as a route into Europe for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
During the 2015–16 migration crisis, nearly 1 million people arrived on Greek islands, mainly from Turkey. Greece was then at the frontline of Europe’s crisis.
Key points
- Six people, including an infant, died in the collision near Lesvos.
- Eight survivors were taken to hospital.
- A 37-year-old Turkish national was arrested as a suspected smuggler and boat operator.
- The collision’s exact circumstances are under investigation.