Estonian border guards involved in a serious accident during a Frontex joint operation in Greece

This afternoon, a serious accident occurred in the Mediterranean near the island of Megisti involving Estonian border guards and a patrol boat participating in a Frontex joint operation. There were five people on board, four of whom were taken to hospital.

The accident occurred at around 16:20 local time, when a three-member Estonian border guard boat crew was at sea together with a local border guard and a guest. All of them were injured in the accident and four were taken to hospital. Estonia’s ambassador Karin Rannu was also on board the vessel at the time of the accident while visiting the Estonian unit. The ambassador sustained minor injuries.

Border Guard Director General Veiko Kommusaar said that the accident was serious. “The circumstances of the accident are currently being established. We know that the boat capsized and the people managed to get out independently. One member of the boat crew called for assistance by phone, and the island’s coast guard responded. Four people were taken to hospital by helicopter. Our border guards are currently receiving medical care, and the condition of two of them has been assessed as serious. We wish everyone a swift recovery,” Kommusaar said.

The Police and Border Guard Board boat sank following the accident.

The exact circumstances of the accident are being established.

Kerli Soe
Press Officer