Frontex vessel sinks off the coast of Kastellorizo

On Monday, March 16, a Frontex vessel flying the Estonian flag sank outside the harbor of Megisti, Kastellorizo, following a collision with a reef during a maneuver. Sources offer conflicting information regarding the number of passengers, with reports citing either five or six individuals on board. The crew included four Estonian nationals, among whom was the country's ambassador. Emergency services and the local Hellenic Coast Guard unit responded immediately to rescue those on board. Four crew members, including three men and one woman, sustained injuries and were initially taken to the Kastellorizo Health Center. They were subsequently airlifted to the hospital in Rhodes via an Air Force Super Puma helicopter. One of the injured individuals remains in serious condition. While the mayor suggested potential causes ranging from a navigation error to striking floating debris, the Hellenic Coast Guard confirmed the vessel struck a reef.