A migrant dies in collision with a Greek coast guard boat

The coast guard said the speedboat collided with a patrol vessel after its driver jumped overboard to avoid arrest, throwing most of the passengers into the sea.

Authorities rescued 18 people, including a minor, when the ship sank. Five of the migrants received first aid while another was resuscitated after falling unconscious.

All migrants were taken to the port of Symi. Six were taken to a health center, “where unfortunately the death of one of the injured was confirmed,” the coast guard said in a statement.

The driver of the migrant boat was arrested.

According to authorities, the passengers had each paid $4,000 for transport from Datça, Turkey to Greece.

Many migrants try to reach the Greek islands from the west coast of Turkey in the hope of eventually reaching wealthy countries in the European Union. Many die during the dangerous crossing.

can/imm