Speedboat collision off Lesbos kills six migrants, including infant, trafficker arrested
A speedboat bound for Lesbos collided with a Greek Coast Guard vessel near Agriá, killing six foreign migrants—including a baby—and rescuing eight, while a 37-year-old Turkish trafficker was detained.
In the early hours of Sunday, a speedboat departing from the Turkish coastline toward the Greek island of Lesbos collided with the left side of a Greek Coast Guard vessel patrolling the Agriá maritime zone, about 3.5 nautical miles from Lesbos’ southeastern shore. The impact caused the speedboat to overturn, resulting in the deaths of six foreign migrants - four men, one woman and an infant. Rescue teams saved eight other migrants, comprising four men, two women and two children, and transferred them to the port of Mytilene before hospitalising them.
A 37-year-old Turkish national among the rescued was identified as the human-trafficking operator and pilot of the boat; he was taken into custody. The Coast Guard confirmed that no individuals remain unaccounted for.
Why it matters
The crash highlights ongoing migrant risks in the Aegean and the role of traffickers in dangerous sea crossings.
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