At least 14 people have died following a collision between a migrant speedboat and a Greek coastguard patrol ship off the island of Chios in the eastern Aegean Sea.

The coastguard reported that a search and rescue mission is currently under way, involving four patrol boats, an air force helicopter, and a private vessel with divers on board. Emergency crews rescued another 24 passengers and took them to a hospital on Chios. Two injured coastguard officers are also receiving medical treatment.

Officials stated it is not yet clear how many people were on the speedboat or exactly what caused the crash. Video footage from the scene showed at least one person being carried off a coastguard ship in a blanket, while others led two children toward a waiting vehicle.

Greece remains a primary gateway into the European Union for people escaping war and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Deadly accidents are a frequent occurrence in these waters. However, crossing attempts have dropped recently as Greece and other EU nations tighten migration laws, increase patrols, and face allegations of "pushbacks," the controversial practice of forcing migrants back across the border.