An Estonian Frontex patrol boat sank near Greece's Meis Island, injuring the ambassador and crew. An investigation is underway.
A patrol boat belonging to Estonia, operating under the European Union's border protection agency Frontex, sank after hitting rocks off the coast of Greece's Meis Island (Kastellorizo) on the afternoon of March 16, 2026.
The patrol boat, part of the Estonian segment of the European Union Border Protection Agency (Frontex), sank due to a technical accident while navigating near Meis Island. It has been reported that the boat, identified as belonging to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), sustained severe damage after colliding with rocks in shallow waters.
Injured Evacuated by Helicopter
At the time of the accident, Estonia's Ambassador to Athens, Karin Rannu, along with three Estonian border guards and one Greek liaison officer, were rescued from the sea by local civilians and coast guard teams. It was learned that Ambassador Rannu escaped the incident with minor injuries, while the condition of two crew members was reported to be serious.
The injured were transferred to a hospital in Rhodes by a Super Puma helicopter belonging to the Hellenic Air Force after receiving initial medical assistance on Meis Island.
Investigation Launched
Estonian authorities confirmed that Ambassador Rannu was on the boat to visit border guards in the area. Following the accident, precautions were taken against the risk of fuel leakage in the sea, and a coordinated investigation was initiated by Frontex and Greek coast guard units to determine whether the incident was caused by navigational error or technical malfunction.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
