Head Injuries, Not Drowning, Explain Most Deaths in Greek Shipwreck
A recent investigation into a fatal incident near the Greek island of Chios revealed that most of the 15 Afghan migrants who lost their lives did not drown. Autopsies indicated severe head and brain injuries caused by a collision between a small migrant boat and a coast guard vessel on February 3. The crash is one of the deadliest migrant accidents in Greece’s recent history.
- Coast Guard Account
- The migrant dinghy was traveling without lights and ignored warnings.
It allegedly changed course abruptly, striking the patrol ship.
- Survivor Account
- Five survivors claim the coast guard never issued warnings.
- They assert the dinghy did not change direction.
- Findings
- Powerful impact caused skull fractures and brain damage.
- Some victims also suffered chest injuries; drowning followed head trauma in one case.
Coast guard photos show only minor scrapes on their vessel; three crew members were injured along with 24 migrants.
- Legal Developments
- A Moroccan survivor is in custody on smuggling and collision charges, which he denies.
The coast guard remains silent while an official inquiry continues.
Context
Greece has long been a frontline in Europe’s migration crisis. The government cites adherence to international law and numerous sea rescues, yet stricter policies since 2019 have drawn criticism from human‑rights groups. A similar tragedy in 2023 involved a trawler capsizing after a failed tow attempt by the coast guard, with a naval court still investigating that case.
