A naval court in Greece has charged 17 coastguards in connection with the deadliest migrant boat disaster in the Mediterranean Sea in over a decade. The charges follow the tragic sinking of the Adriana fishing vessel near Pylos on June 14, 2023, which led to the deaths of up to 650 migrants.
The overcrowded boat, which had departed Libya en route to Italy, capsized in the early hours of June 14. The coastguard had been monitoring the vessel for 15 hours before the disaster, during which survivors claim Greek authorities made a botched attempt to tow the boat, resulting in the capsizing. Witnesses say Greek coastguards silenced them after the incident, a claim the Greek government has denied.
Charges Against Coastguard Officials
Among the 17 individuals charged is the captain of the coastguard vessel LS-920, who faces multiple charges, including “causing a shipwreck” and “failure to provide assistance.” The charges stem from the deaths of at least 82 individuals, though it is believed that an additional 500 people may have perished, including women and children who were confined below deck. The disaster occurred within Greece’s rescue zone, although the vessel sank in international waters.
Other individuals charged include the former Chief of the Greek Coast Guard and the Supervisor of the National Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, both of whom face charges of “exposing others to danger.”
Doubts Over Official Greek Account
The Greek authorities initially claimed that the Adriana had not been in distress and did not require immediate assistance. However, shipping data and survivor testimonies have cast serious doubts on this version of events. Survivors have alleged that the coastguards caused the boat to capsize in a failed attempt to tow it, and then pressured witnesses to remain silent about the incident.
“The Greek authorities knew what happened, and it took us two years to get these charges,” one survivor said. “I’m happy, but I won’t believe it until I see them in prison.”
Syrian Survivors Speak Out
Syrian refugees who survived the disaster recounted their harrowing experience. Ahmad and Musaab, who had paid $4,500 each to board the boat, described how the coastguard’s actions led to the boat capsizing. Musaab recalled how the coastguard ship attached a rope to the left side of the boat, causing passengers to shift to the right to balance it. The Greek vessel then moved off, dragging the boat and causing it to flip.
Once the survivors arrived in Kalamata, they said Greek officials tried to silence them. “When people said the Greek coastguard was the cause, they were told to shut up,” said Ahmad.
Legal Team for Victims Welcomes Charges
The legal team representing the victims and survivors of the disaster expressed their support for the charges brought against the 17 coastguards. They hailed the decision as a critical step toward justice, emphasizing that nearly two years after the Pylos shipwreck, the prosecution’s action marks a significant development in holding those responsible accountable.
“It’s a substantial step for the victims and survivors to see the Greek authorities being held accountable for their actions,” said the legal team in a statement.
The accused coastguards will be questioned in the coming weeks, and the Piraeus Naval Court will decide whether to send the case to trial. The charges, if upheld, could carry significant legal consequences, though the specific punishment remains uncertain.
Greece’s Response
Greek authorities have continued to assert that their coastguard adheres to international human rights standards. The government has previously stated that the Greek Coast Guard has rescued more than 250,000 people at sea over the past decade.