Six migrants, including infant, killed in speedboat, Greek coast guard vessel crash near Lesbos

A tragic accident occurred off the coast of Lesbos, Greece, where a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Greek coast guard vessel. The disaster claimed the lives of six individuals, including an infant, according to Greek authorities. The vessel carrying the migrants was on its way from Turkey when it struck the coast guard boat, causing it to overturn. Four men, one woman, and an infant were found dead, while eight others survived and were taken to a hospital.

Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias expressed his sorrow and anger over the incident, blaming migrant smugglers for the deaths. He stated that the evidence suggests the speedboat hit the coast guard vessel on its left side with its bow. Kikilias emphasized that Greece has a zero-tolerance policy towards smugglers, calling them ruthless criminals who exploit desperate people, families, and innocent children for their own profit.

The tragedy highlights the ongoing migration crisis in Europe, with Greece serving as a primary entry point for migrants and refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In 2015-16, nearly 1 million people landed on Greek islands, many of whom were fleeing conflict and hardship in their home countries.