A collision between a speedboat and a tourist vessel off the Saronic Gulf island of Aegina near the Greek capital Tuesday killed at least three people, including a child, and injured another four, the country’s coast guard said.
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It is thought around 20 people were on the tourist boat, but it is unclear how many people were onboard the speedboat, officials said.
Among the dead includes a two-year-old child, a man, and the operator of one of the boats, according to unverified reports.
Another told Skai radio: “I saw a little girl … being given CPR but she was not responding”.
A total of 21 people, including the injured, were rescued from the waters between Aegina and the small deserted islet of Moni, where the tourist boat was transporting holiday-makers for a swim, the coast guard said.
The coastguard did not have the exact number of rescued or know yet how the accident occurred.
Two patrol boats and a helicopter are involved in the search and rescue efforts, while private boats are assisting in the operation. The need to investigate the circumstances that led to the collision of the two vessels is imperative.
Less than an hour away from Athens by boat, Aegina is a top destination for both Greek and foreign visitors in summer.
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The weather in the area was reported as good.
