An Estonian Border Guard ship, involved in a mission of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency ('Frontex'), has capsized and sunk near the Greek island close to the Turkish coast. According to sources from the Greek coast guard and the state broadcaster ERT, the vessel was on a Frontex mission and had three Estonian crew members along with a Greek coast guard officer on board. Remarkably, the ship also included the Estonian ambassador to Greece, Karina Rannu.

Following the incident, all those on board were rescued and transported to a healthcare center on the nearby island of Kastellorizo, later being airlifted to a hospital in Rhodes. Reports indicated that one individual sustained a head injury during the incident. The Greek coast guard clarified that the mishap occurred outside of any border enforcement operations, and investigations are currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the ship's capsizing.

This incident highlights the dangers associated with maritime operations in international waters, especially under Frontex missions aimed at border security. The presence of senior officials, such as an ambassador, raises the stakes concerning diplomatic implications, and attention will be focused on the investigation's findings and any potential need for policy changes regarding the safeguarding of personnel engaged in such missions.