News comment: UNHCR deeply saddened by latest tragedy in the Aegean

UNHCR is deeply saddened by the latest tragedy yesterday in the Aegean Sea where at least 15 people lost their lives, and 24 children, men and women were injured off Chios island in Greece.

UNHCR extends its deepest condolences to the victims’ families and stands in solidarity with all those affected and with the actors, rescuers and all those assisting the survivors. UNHCR is present at the hospital, offering support to the survivors, including access to interpretation and legal services as needed.

While the circumstances of the deadly incident are still being established, UNHCR underscores the importance of full clarity and transparency when incidents occur during lifesaving operations at sea.

This is unfortunately not an isolated incident. Between 2015 - 2025, 3,148 people lost their lives or went missing at sea in the Aegean.

These tragedies are preventable. States must do more to resolve conflict and address the other root causes that lead people to embark on dangerous journeys. More support is needed to countries of first asylum, as are increased legal pathways. Most urgently, more needs to be done to save lives at sea. Saving lives at sea is a legal and humanitarian imperative, and everyone must work together to uphold it.

For more information, please contact:

In Athens: Stella Nanou, [email protected], +30 6944586037

In Geneva (for Europe): Eleni Biza, [email protected], +41 78 337 8082

In Geneva: Matthew Saltmarsh, [email protected], +41 79 967 99 36