AT least 15 people have died in a horror crash after a migrant speedboat smashed into a Greek coastguard vessel.
The terrifying collision sparked a huge search operation with helicopters and divers as authorities rescued dozens of passengers, including children.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in GreeceCredit: AFP
At least 15 people died in a horror boat crashCredit: Pantelis Fykaris/AP
A total of 14 bodies, including 11 men and 3 women, were recovered from the sea off the eastern Aegean island of Chios, Greece.
One woman who survived the initial crash and was rushed to hospital tragically succumbed to her injuries hours later, bringing the death toll to 15.
Emergency services rescued 25 stranded passengers, including 11 children, before rushing them to a hospital on Chios.
Local authorities scrambled patrol boats carrying divers and an air force helicopter to help the rapid the search operation.
Two coastguard officials suffered injuries in the harrowing collision.
It is currently unclear how many people exactly were on the migrant speedboat, authorities said.
State broadcaster ERT said the patrol boat issued a warning signal after spotting the migrant boat.
But just moments later, it reportedly tried to speed off and escape.
Shocking footage showed one person being carried in a blanket amid the massive search operation.
It is also unclear how the collision unfolded – and police are probing the exact circumstances of the smash.
Staff at the hospital in Chios described the sudden wave of patients who came rushing in following the horrific crash.
Several injured passengers required surgery, the head of Greece’s public hospital workers’ union said.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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