Europe

Greece points to smugglers in migrant deaths, despite disputed accounts

Greek authorities swiftly pointed to smugglers as the culprit, yet history has shown that immediate and absolute explanations often warrant skepticism.

Greek authorities have provided a straightforward account of the incident involving a speedboat carrying Afghan and Moroccan migrants that collided with a coastguard vessel, resulting in the deaths of 15 people.

A Hellenic coastguard boat patrols the Greek waters as a helicopter flies overhead. — The Hellenic coastguard performs a search and rescue operation

In a statement released on Tuesday, the authorities attributed the incident to the actions of "smugglers" who allegedly failed to respond to warnings from the Hellenic Coast Guard to alter their course.

According to the statement, the migrant boat was navigating erratically before colliding with a patrol vessel in the Chios Strait, leading to the fatalities and injuries of 24 others attempting to reach Europe.

However, past experiences suggest that initial explanations for such incidents may not always be comprehensive or entirely accurate.

A similar incident occurred in the summer of 2023, when I was in the Greek port city of Kalamata, where a maritime tragedy was feared to have claimed the lives of over 650 migrants.

A Greek government account had emerged, attributing the tragedy to the actions of criminal gangs who had overloaded a decrepit fishing vessel.

Authorities initially claimed that the loss of life, including an estimated 100 women and children in the hold of the Adriana, was unavoidable.

However, survivors interviewed by the BBC presented a differing account, stating that the coastguard's attempted towing maneuver had led to the boat's capsizing.

Upon further investigation in Greece over the subsequent months, discrepancies in the official story continued to surface.

Approximately three years later, 21 coastguard officers, including the current commander and three other senior officials, are facing charges of negligent manslaughter in connection with the incident, which remains the deadliest maritime disaster in the Mediterranean over the past decade.

While it's premature to make direct comparisons between the 2023 incident and the latest case, examining past events involving the coastguard and migrant fatalities at sea may provide context.

Reports of Tuesday's fatal incident near Chios have been widely covered in the Greek media, with many outlets highlighting allegations that the migrant speedboat was operating recklessly and refusing to comply with orders to stop.

To date, no statements have been released from survivors that either corroborate or contradict the official account of the incident.

The absence of independent verification or evidence from third-party sources has raised questions about the claim that the migrant boat intentionally collided with the military speedboat.

Any available footage of the alleged collision could potentially be a crucial piece of evidence in understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The question remains as to whether the coastguard had been documenting its encounter with the migrant vessel.

A notable example is the 2023 Adriana disaster, in which the patrol ship was outfitted with advanced cameras financed by the EU.

However, these cameras were not in operation at the time.

Footage captured on mobile phones, either by coastguard personnel or the migrants themselves, could prove crucial in understanding the events surrounding the latest tragic incident.

The fate of the mobile phones belonging to those involved in Tuesday's events is currently unknown.

In 2023, a notable incident occurred in which 20 mobile phones belonging to migrants were unaccounted for over a period of 25 days.

According to officials, these devices were later found on the island of Kythira, approximately 60 nautical miles from Kalamata, after they had been left in a bag on a coastguard vessel.

As part of their investigations into illegal crossings, Greek authorities have previously seized communication devices from detained migrants to determine whether any individuals were involved in smuggling operations.

Greece continues to serve as a primary entry point into the European Union for individuals from the Middle East and other regions.

Data from the UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, indicates that a total of 41,696 people arrived in Greece via sea routes in 2025.

The number has decreased to 54,417 in 2024, marking a decline from previous figures.

A total of 107 individuals were reported as deceased or missing in 2024 while attempting to cross to the Greek mainland and islands.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' conservative government has adopted a more stringent stance on irregular migration since taking office in 2019.

The tougher migration policy has resonated with a significant portion of the electorate and played a notable role in the 2023 general election, which resulted in a victory for Mitsotakis' party.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the Greek coastguard, alleging that its maritime operations often involve hazardous and unlawful practices.

Greek authorities, including the government and coastguard, refute allegations of wrongdoing, asserting that their actions are lawful and have resulted in the rescue of hundreds of migrants at sea over the past ten years.

However, the EU's border agency announced a review of 12 potential human rights abuse cases involving Greece in the previous year, which included claims that asylum seekers were forcibly turned back at the country's borders.

In the aftermath of the recent deadly incident, opposition lawmakers have swiftly criticized the actions of the Greek coastguard.

Greece's migration and asylum minister Thanos Plevris taking a phone call while seated inside. — Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris said he trusted the account of the coastguards

Gabriel Sakellaridis, a high-ranking member of the Nea Aristera party, took to social media to express his concerns, stating that the coastguard's operation was driven by government directives aimed at enforcing a stringent immigration policy, which he believes has had devastating consequences in Greek waters.

During a session of the Greek parliament on Wednesday, Minister of Immigration Thanos Plevris expressed his confidence in the testimony of the coastguard personnel who were on duty near Chios the previous night.

Plevris commended the coastguards for their actions, drawing a distinction between their efforts and those of human rights advocates who lodged complaints but did not directly assist in rescue operations.

The circumstances surrounding this incident remain largely unclear, with many key details yet to be disclosed.

Past experience indicates that a full understanding of the events that unfolded in the Mediterranean Sea may ultimately remain elusive, lost in the darkness of the night.

Up Next

Yachting Industry Seeks Teak Alternatives

Don't Miss

How cold weather health alerts function

Europe

De Zerbi and Marseille part ways by mutual agreement

Marseille has parted ways with Roberto De Zerbi, whose tenure included guiding the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 the previous season, after the club’s Champions League elimination and a 5-0 loss to Paris St-Germain.

Prior to his tenure at Marseille, Roberto de Zerbi held managerial positions at Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton.

Marseille has announced that Roberto de Zerbi is no longer the club's manager, with the two parties agreeing to part ways.

The decision to end de Zerbi's tenure comes on the heels of a significant loss to Paris St-Germain, with a score of 5-0, as well as the team's elimination from the Champions League after a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge.

De Zerbi assumed the role of manager at Marseille in the summer of 2024, following his departure from Brighton, where he had been in charge for nearly two years.

During his time at Marseille, de Zerbi led the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 the previous season, and at the time of his departure, the club was ranked fourth in the league, trailing leaders Paris St-Germain by 12 points.

A statement released by Marseille confirmed that the club and de Zerbi had mutually agreed to end their collaboration, marking the end of his tenure as coach of the first team.

According to the club, the decision to replace de Zerbi was made after consultations between key stakeholders, including the owner, president, director of football, and coach, with the goal of addressing the team's performance challenges in the remaining part of the season.

Marseille described the decision as a collective and difficult one, made with careful consideration and a focus on the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the team's current sporting challenges.

For more on this story and other football news, tune in to the latest episode of the Football Daily podcast.

Europe

Macron urges Europe to assert its global influence

The President of France has cautioned that Europe is confronting a critical moment, citing increasing threats from China, Russia, and the United States.

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, is calling on Europe to establish itself as a major force globally, emphasizing the need for the continent to project its influence.

French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: 5 February 2026 — Emmanuel Macron warned that "today Europe faces a massive challenge, in a world of disorder"

Citing increasing challenges from China, Russia, and the United States, Macron cautioned European newspapers that the region is at a critical juncture, necessitating a prompt response.

Macron posed a fundamental question, asking whether Europe is prepared to assert its authority in key areas such as economics, finance, defense, security, and democratic governance.

In remarks made prior to an upcoming EU summit in Brussels, Macron referenced a historical concept, suggesting that the time has come for Europe to take a more prominent role on the global stage.

The French President reiterated his proposal for EU member states to share the risk of loans, which could generate hundreds of billions of euros for crucial industrial investments across the continent.

A proposal has been made to introduce a joint debt capacity, specifically eurobonds, to cover future expenses. The idea is to support large-scale European initiatives that can fund top-tier projects.

Previous suggestions of this nature have been met with skepticism, particularly from Germany and other countries, which have expressed concerns that France is attempting to shift its financial burdens onto the European community, citing its own lack of reform efforts as the reason.

Macron acknowledged that France's economic model has historically been unbalanced, differing from the more responsible approaches taken by certain northern European economies.

He noted that France has not undergone the same level of reforms as countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, which implemented significant changes in the 2010s and are now seeing positive results.

According to Macron, there is a growing demand in global financial markets for a mutualized European debt instrument, which the EU is currently not equipped to provide.

Global markets are growing wary of the US dollar and seeking alternative options, indicating a shift in economic dynamics.

Investors worldwide are drawn to countries with a strong rule of law and democratic foundations. Currently, the international landscape is characterized by China's authoritarian regime and the US's perceived deviation from its own democratic principles.

Macron emphasized that the 27-member European Union requires an annual investment of €1.2 trillion to bolster key sectors, including security, defense, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

The EU leader urged the bloc to safeguard its strategic industries, pointing out that both China and the US have taken similar measures. He noted that Europe currently has the most open market globally.

Macron clarified that his stance is not about embracing protectionism, but rather about promoting consistency in trade policies, ensuring that European producers are not unfairly disadvantaged by regulations that do not apply to non-EU competitors.

European leaders are currently confronting a significant dilemma, according to recent statements, as the global landscape becomes increasingly unstable.

The pace of climate change is quickening, while the United States, once considered a permanent guarantor of European security, is now less reliable. Russia's supply of affordable energy, which was previously thought to be a long-term arrangement, ceased three years ago. Meanwhile, China has emerged as an increasingly intense rival.

The European community now finds itself self-reliant, but its collective strength lies in its unity, with a population of 450 million people, a substantial entity. For one European leader, the pursuit of greater influence is seen as the natural culmination of the European project.

Historically, European nations have come together to prevent conflict and establish a unified market, yet they have traditionally avoided aspirations of collective power.

Regarding the recent tensions with the US over Greenland, which ended with President Donald Trump appearing to retract his threats to annex the Danish territory, a European leader cautioned against complacency, suggesting that Europeans should remain vigilant.

Following a crisis, a common reaction is to breathe a sigh of relief and assume the situation has been resolved. However, this sense of security can be short-lived, as threats and intimidation may still be present, only to be followed by a sudden shift in Washington's stance.

According to the French leader, it is essential not to be misled by this apparent calm, emphasizing that the situation is far from over.

Europe

Ukrainian skeleton racer’s helmet, honoring war victims, banned

Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, has stated that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has prohibited him from wearing a helmet that displays images of war victims from his home country, a ruling that he says is deeply distressing.

Vladyslav Heraskevych has a history of utilizing his public presence to speak out against the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, the International Olympic Committee has prohibited him from wearing a helmet that displays images of war victims from his native country, a decision he finds deeply distressing.

Heraskevych, 26, donned the helmet during a Winter Olympics practice session in Cortina, having previously stated his intention to leverage the Games as an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict.

The International Olympic Committee has not yet publicly acknowledged whether it has indeed banned the helmet in question.

In an Instagram post, Heraskevych, who served as a flagbearer for Ukraine during the opening ceremony on Friday, stated that the IOC has barred him from wearing the helmet at official training sessions and competitions.

The IOC's decision has sparked disappointment, as it prevents athletes from being recognized on the Olympic stage, a platform they will never have the opportunity to participate on again, leaving a sense of betrayal among those who have been part of the Olympic movement.

The IOC has previously permitted such tributes in both recent and past events, but in this instance, it has chosen to establish unique guidelines specifically for Ukraine, deviating from its earlier precedents.

In an interview with Reuters, Heraskevych revealed that the images on his helmet included several athletes, such as teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov, some of whom he considered friends.

According to Heraskevych, Toshio Tsurunaga, the IOC's representative responsible for facilitating communication between athletes, national Olympic committees, and the IOC, visited the athletes' village to inform him of the decision.

Heraskevych stated that the reason provided was due to rule 50, as explained to him by the IOC representative.

According to the Olympic Charter's Rule 50.2, demonstrations or propaganda of a political, religious, or racial nature are not allowed at Olympic sites, venues, or other designated areas.

On Monday, it was reported that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had reached out to Ukraine's Olympic Committee regarding a specific helmet.

As of now, the IOC has stated that it has not received a formal request for the helmet to be used during competition, which is set to begin on February 12.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Heraskevych for bringing attention to the sacrifices made during their struggle.

The president's post further emphasized that the reality of the situation cannot be dismissed as an inappropriate or political display at a sports event, but rather serves as a global reminder of the current state of Russia.

At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Ukraine's inaugural skeleton competitor, Heraskevych, displayed a sign reading 'No War in Ukraine', just days prior to Russia's invasion of the country in 2022.

The Olympic Charter's Rule 50.2 explicitly prohibits any form of demonstration or propaganda of a political, religious, or racial nature within Olympic venues and areas.

Heraskevych had previously stated his intention to abide by the Olympic rules banning political demonstrations, while still seeking to bring attention to the conflict in Ukraine during the Games.

In the aftermath of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus faced widespread bans from international competitions, although they have been gradually reintegrated into sports.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given clearance to 13 Russian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) at the Milan-Cortina event.

A request for comment has been made to the IOC by BBC Sport.

A daily breakdown of the Winter Olympics is available for reference.

A comprehensive schedule outlining the timing of all medal events can be found.

The current medal standings for the Winter Olympics 2026 are being tracked.