Six dead off Lesbos in speedboat-coastguard collision — Turkish smuggler arrested
Six migrants, including an infant, died off Lesbos when a smuggler's speedboat collided with a coastguard vessel. A 37-year-old Turkish man was arrested as the operator.
Tragedy in Agrilia waters — six dead, one smuggler in custody
Six people died — including an infant — in the early hours of 19 October in the waters off Agrilia, approximately 3.5 nautical miles from the coast of Lesbos, when a speedboat operated by a smuggler collided with a patrol boat of the Hellenic Coastguard. The incident was reported by To Vima, noting that the alleged smuggler was arrested immediately afterwards.
The collision
The speedboat, having departed from the Anatolian coast bound for Lesbos, struck the bow of the Coastguard patrol boat on its port side. The impact caused the speedboat to capsize immediately, with passengers falling into the sea. The exact circumstances of the collision are under investigation by the competent authorities.
Victims and survivors
Six people were retrieved from the water unconscious: four men, one woman and one infant. A total of eight people were rescued — four men, two women and two children — who were initially transferred to the port of Mytilene and subsequently to the General Hospital of the island for first aid. The coastguard authorities confirmed that the search and rescue operation was completed, as there are no further missing persons.
Arrest of the smuggler
Among the survivors, a 37-year-old Turkish national was identified. According to the coastguard authorities, the other passengers recognised him as the operator of the vessel and alleged smuggler. The 37-year-old was taken into custody.
Statement by Kikilia
Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilia expressed his sorrow and anger through X over the deaths of the six migrants. "The tragedy that unfolded last night in the waters off Lesbos fills us with sorrow and anger. Six people lost their lives, including an infant, because of the criminal actions of modern-day slave traders," the minister said.
Kikilia also clarified the government's position: "Our stance is non-negotiable: zero tolerance for smugglers. Towards these vile criminals who, in order to enrich themselves, do not hesitate to drive even desperate people, families and innocent children to their deaths."
Source: To Vima