Greek Doctors Work to Identify Parents of Injured Migrant Children After Deadly Boat Collision

Medical teams on the Greek island of Chios are racing to locate and reunite parents with their injured children after a collision between a Greek coast guard patrol boat and a migrant speedboat left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured, including many young children.

By Robert Kim – Staff Correspondent

Last Updated: Feb. 3, 2026

Deadly Collision Near Chios

Late Tuesday night off the eastern Aegean island of Chios, a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel. The incident left at least 15 people dead and more than two dozen others injured, according to Greek authorities. Rescue efforts involving patrol boats and a helicopter continued into Wednesday as officials searched for additional missing persons. The vast majority of passengers were believed to be Afghan nationals, and one person identified as Moroccan was taken into custody on suspicion of migrant smuggling amid the ongoing investigations. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Strain on Medical Staff and Hospitals

Medical personnel on Chios described overwhelming scenes at local hospitals as they dealt with a sudden influx of casualties, including adults and children. Doctors reported treating severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma and internal wounds. Three patients were reported in serious condition in intensive care units, and two pregnant women suffered miscarriages in the aftermath of the crash. Hospital staff, including administrative workers, volunteered to assist as facilities struggled to cope with the flow of injured and dying. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Search to Reunite Children With Parents

One of the most heart‑wrenching challenges for doctors and caregivers was locating parents of unaccompanied or separated children. Pediatrician Kirykas Zannikos said that finding family members for the young survivors—whose ages ranged from 1 to 15—was an emotional and urgent task amid the chaos. Some parents were eventually found among those receiving treatment, including one mother in intensive care. In one case, staff comforted a baby who clung to a medical worker’s arms while efforts were made to identify the child’s family. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Officials Blame Smugglers, Promise Investigation

Greek authorities, including Maritime Affairs Minister Vassilis Kikilias, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of life and condemned the role of smugglers in putting vulnerable people at risk. Authorities stated that an investigation into the circumstances of the collision would be conducted with transparency and professionalism. Greek President Constantine Tassoulas also offered support for the survivors and pledged state assistance. Meanwhile, search operations continued at sea as officials worked to account for all who were aboard the migrant vessel. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Wider Migration Context and Risks

The tragedy underscores the perilous nature of sea crossings from Turkey to Greek islands that many migrants undertake in hopes of reaching Europe. Greece has long been a major entry point for people fleeing conflict, poverty, or persecution in parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Such journeys often involve overcrowded or unsafe vessels piloted by smugglers, with deadly consequences. The incident adds to broader international concerns about migration policy, search‑and‑rescue capacity, and the human cost of irregular migration routes across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}