Twelve migrants, including an infant, have died in two separate incidents while attempting to cross the Aegean Sea towards Greece, according to the Greek coast guard.
The deaths occurred near the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos on Monday, October 19, 2026, as migrants attempted to travel from the Turkish coast to Europe in speedboats.
In the first incident, six people died after a speedboat carrying migrants collided with a Greek coast guard patrol vessel near the island of Lesbos late Sunday. The victims comprised four men, one woman and an infant. Eight other people were rescued, with survivors taken to hospital for treatment. A 37-year-old Turkish national was arrested on suspicion of operating the boat and involvement in migrant smuggling.
In a separate incident near Samos, another speedboat capsized early Monday, killing five men and one woman. Fourteen survivors were rescued, while an Iranian national was arrested on suspicion of migrant smuggling. Search-and-rescue operations were continuing as authorities worked to establish whether anyone remained missing.
Greek authorities have condemned the incidents and reiterated their opposition to migrant-smuggling networks. Maritime Affairs Minister Vasilis Kikilias expressed sorrow and anger over the deaths near Lesbos, describing the actions of smugglers as criminal and reaffirming the government’s position against the practice. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incidents are ongoing.
The Aegean Sea is a key route for migrants and asylum seekers attempting to enter the European Union, with many making the journey from Türkiye to nearby Greek islands in small boats. The crossings can be dangerous, particularly when vessels are overcrowded or accidents occur during attempts to evade authorities.
The latest deaths add to the continuing toll of people risking their lives at sea in search of safety and better opportunities in Europe.
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