Search continues after infant among twelve migrants dead as boats capsize near Greek islands

Deaths near Lesbos and Samos

Authorities said the two incidents occurred on Monday in the northeastern Aegean Sea. Twelve migrants drowned after their vessels capsized while the coast guard pursued them, and 14 people survived.

Collision under investigation

In the incident off Agrilia, Lesbos, four men, one woman and an infant died. Their boat struck a Greek coast guard vessel and overturned, while eight survivors were taken to hospital.

Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias said preliminary evidence pointed to the speedboat’s bow hitting the left side of the coast guard vessel. He said investigators were still working to establish exactly what happened.

Government vows firm response

The government said it would take a zero-tolerance approach to migrant smugglers, whom it blamed for the deaths. Kikilias stated on X that the country’s position on smugglers was non-negotiable.

Greece was a major arrival point during Europe’s 2015–2016 migration crisis, when nearly 1 million people reached its islands, mainly from Turkey. The country has since tightened its stance on migration.

Dispute over border practices

Human rights groups have accused Greece of forcibly returning migrants and asylum-seekers at sea and on land. The government denies the allegations and says its coast guard respects human lives and rights.