Overview
- Greek port police report 15 migrants dead off Chios after a patrol vessel collided with a fast boat during an interception on Tuesday night.
- A 31-year-old Moroccan identified by Afghan survivors as a smuggler was arrested on Chios and faces accusations of facilitating illegal entry, refusing to comply and causing a shipwreck.
- About 25 people were rescued and more than 20 were injured, including children and a pregnant woman, while two coast guard members were taken to hospital.
- Authorities say the patrol signaled the boat, which tried to evade and turned into the vessel before capsizing; searches continue by sea and helicopter with the total number aboard still unknown.
- Initial official reports cited four deaths before AFP-sourced updates raised the toll to 14, with recent accounts now at 15 as an inquiry proceeds into the circumstances.