Tragedy off the coast of Greece: 12 migrants killed in incidents with coast guard

12 migrants, including an infant, were killed in two separate incidents off the coast of Greece after boats capsized during coast guard chases. 22 people were rescued, and two suspected migrant smugglers were arrested.

12 migrants, including an infant, were killed today (Monday) in two separate incidents off the coast of Greece, after boats sailing from Turkey capsized during chases by the Greek coast guard. Six migrants died in a collision between a motorboat and a coast guard vessel near the island of Lesbos, and six others drowned after their boat capsized during a chase near the island of Samos. In total, 22 people were rescued from the water, and two of the survivors were arrested on suspicion of migrant smuggling. Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias blamed migrant smugglers for the disaster and emphasized that the government's stance is "zero tolerance towards smugglers." The article notes that Greece has tightened its immigration policy in recent years, and that human rights organizations accuse the authorities of forcibly returning migrants, a claim the government rejects.