Migrant boat capsizes during Portuguese rescue operation
In the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Lesbos, a Portuguese-flagged Frontex patrol boat met with an unfortunate incident on July 14, 2025. The vessel, participating in a search and rescue operation for migrants, hit a coral reef or rock formation during near gale wind conditions, leading to its sinking.
The boat's crew, comprising five Portuguese nationals and one Greek national, were all safely rescued by the Hellenic Coast Guard and are reported to be in good physical condition. An investigation has been initiated by both Portuguese authorities and Frontex to determine the exact causes of the sinking.
The operation was launched after 36 migrants were spotted on a Lesbos beach, with reports indicating that four members of their group were missing at sea, having departed from the Turkish coast. The incident was reported by Greek television station ERT, cited by Europa Press, and also to Agence France-Presse (AFP) by a Greek coast guard source.
The operation, coordinated by Frontex in conjunction with Greek authorities, is part of ongoing efforts by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency to manage border security and conduct search and rescue missions amid persistent migration flows into the EU, particularly through Greece. Since 2015, Greece has recorded over a million arrivals, mainly from Turkey.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by border control and rescue teams operating in challenging maritime conditions amid ongoing migrant crossings in the region. Frontex's role is to assist European Union (EU) and Schengen Area countries in managing their external borders.
**Key Details**
- Vessel: Portuguese-flagged Frontex patrol boat - Location: Near Lesbos, Greek island, Aegean Sea - Incident date: July 14, 2025 - Cause of sinking: Collision with a coral reef/rock during rough weather (near gale winds) - Crew details: 5 Portuguese crew members, 1 Greek crew member - Crew status: All rescued safely, in good physical condition - Current investigation: Ongoing by Portuguese authorities and Frontex - Context: Search and rescue operation for migrants missing at sea after departing Turkey
Following the sinking of a Portuguese-flagged Frontex patrol boat off Lesbos' coast on July 14, 2025, general news outlets, including Greek television station ERT, Europa Press, and Agence France-Presse (AFP), reported on this unfortunate incident. As part of ongoing efforts to manage border security and conduct search and rescue missions amid persistent migration flows, the operation was coordinated by Frontex in conjunction with Greek authorities. Notably, crime-and-justice reporters have highlighted the fact that an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact causes of this sinking, with politics potentially playing a role in the focusing of resources on border security and migrant crossings. Additionally, news outlets have pointed out that the incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by border control and rescue teams operating in challenging maritime conditions amid ongoing conflicts, such as the migrant crossings in the region.
