A naval court in Greece has pressed charges against 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard in connection with the devastating migrant shipwreck that occurred on June 14, 2023. This maritime disaster claimed the lives of up to 650 individuals on the overloaded Adriana fishing vessel, which capsized near Pylos. Survivors recounted harrowing accounts of the coastguards allegedly causing the boat to capsize during a failed towing attempt, with claims of efforts to silence potential witnesses.
The captain of the coastguard vessel, LS-920, is among those charged with “causing a shipwreck,” resulting in at least 82 confirmed deaths, though estimates suggest that as many as 500 more may have perished, including numerous women and children trapped below deck. The incident, which unfolded in international waters yet fell under Greece's rescue jurisdiction, has drawn scrutiny towards the Greek authorities’ denial of wrongdoing.
The investigation led to the indictment of four officials, including the Chief of the Coast Guard, for “exposing others to danger.” The captain is further accused of “dangerous interference in maritime transport” and failing to assist the distressed migrant vessel, while the crew faces charges of “simple complicity” in the actions of their captain.
The coastguard had reportedly monitored the Adriana for 15 hours before it sank. After departing from Libya, the vessel was initially estimated to have carried approximately 750 individuals, yet only 104 survived the tragedy. Investigative efforts have raised doubts about the Greek account of events, with evidence unearthed suggesting immediate danger was evident, contradicting claims of no need for rescue.
Survivors Ahmad and Musaab, who spoke under anonymity, asserted that the coastguards triggered the tragedy when they attempted to tow the vessel incorrectly, stating that the recovery team effectively capsized the boat with their actions.
Upon reaching safety, survivors detailed an intimidating encounter with coastguard officials who allegedly urged them to remain silent about the incident. Ahmad, now residing in Germany, expressed relief that legal charges have been finally brought forth, yet remains skeptical of the Greek legal system's reliability.
The legal representatives for victims of the capsizing hailed the charges as a critical stride towards justice, describing the naval court's actions as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for accountability. The Deputy Prosecutor is expected to question the charged coastguards in the upcoming weeks, with the court to determine the next legal steps or potential dismissal of charges. Greece maintains that it conducts rescue operations while adhering to human rights protocols, having rescued over 250,000 people in recent years.
