Two boats sink near Greek Islands, 14 migrants rescued, several missing

Two boats carrying undocumented migrants have sunk in Greek waters near the islands of Samos and Lesbos leaving several people missing according to media reports on October 19, 2026.

Two boats carrying undocumented migrants have sunk in Greek waters near the islands of Samos and Lesbos leaving several people missing according to media reports on October 19, 2026.

Arab media reports, citing information from Athens said the two incidents occurred near the Greek islands. Fourteen people were rescued by the Greek Coast Guard while search operations continued for others who remain unaccounted for.

Authorities have not provided further details about the total number of people aboard the boats or the exact circumstances that led to the incidents according to the report.

The Greek Coast Guard is continuing efforts to locate the missing individuals. The available report did not specify whether any fatalities had been confirmed.

The report also said Greek authorities had detained several individuals on suspicion of involvement in human trafficking. Further details about the suspects and the charges against them were not immediately provided.

The incidents highlight the dangers faced by migrants attempting to travel by sea. Boats used for such journeys can be unsafe and difficult sea conditions may increase the risks for passengers.

Samos and Lesbos are Greek islands in the eastern Aegean Sea close to the Turkish coast. The area is a route used by people seeking to reach Europe including migrants and asylum seekers.

Search efforts were ongoing at the time of the report and further information about the missing people and the investigations is awaited.