Twelve Migrants, Including Infant, Drown in Boat Incidents off Greek Islands

Twelve migrants, including an infant, drowned in two separate boat incidents near the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos on October 19, 2026, according to Greek authorities. The boats capsized in the northeastern Aegean Sea during incidents involving Greek Coast Guard vessels and pursuit operations. Search-and-rescue efforts were carried out, and several survivors were taken to hospital.

In the incident near Samos, six migrants died after a speedboat carrying people from Turkey suddenly manoeuvred and overturned. Fourteen people survived, and authorities arrested an Iranian national on suspicion of migrant smuggling. Near Lesbos, six others, including an infant, died when a migrant boat collided with a Greek Coast Guard vessel and overturned. Eight survivors were taken to hospital, while a 37-year-old Turkish national was arrested on suspicion of operating the boat and smuggling migrants.

Greek authorities said investigations into the incidents were ongoing, with the shipping minister stating that the exact circumstances of the Lesbos collision were still being examined. The government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards migrant smugglers. Greece remains a key entry point into Europe for migrants and refugees travelling from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

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