Charges Against Greek Coastguards in Deadly Mediterranean Migrant Shipwreck

In a major development, seventeen Greek coastguard members have been charged in relation to the tragic migrant shipwreck near Pylos in June 2023, which resulted in the loss of up to 650 lives.

On June 14, 2023, an overcrowded migrant vessel named the Adriana sank off the coast of Greece, leading to one of the most devastating maritime disasters in the Mediterranean in a decade. The naval court in Greece has officially charged 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard, including the captain of the patrol ship LS-920, with criminal offenses ranging from "causing a shipwreck" to "dangerous interference of maritime transport" and the failure to provide assistance. Survivors allege the coastguard's actions contributed directly to the tragic event, prompting the legal team for victims to express their satisfaction at the charges, marking what they see as a crucial step toward justice.

Survivors described harrowing scenes on the Adriana, claiming that the coastguard’s botched attempt to tow their boat caused it to capsize. Initially, the boat had been reported as carrying around 750 people, of whom only 104 survived. Eyewitness accounts suggest that vital rescue opportunities were missed as the coastguard monitored the migrant boat hours before it sank. Furthermore, survivors recounted attempts by Greek officials to silence their testimonies, leading to widespread skepticism regarding the official narrative.

The recent legal actions bring new hope for accountability, following claims that previous investigations appeared superficial and untrustworthy. Survivors like Ahmad, whose relatives perished, expressed a sense of vindication upon hearing about the charges, though they also voiced deep concerns about the reliability of the Greek legal system. The official charges against the coastguards come nearly two years after the disaster, with the prosecution poised to interrogate the defendants further in the coming weeks. If found guilty, the coastguards could face significant penalties, though it's unclear what specific punishment awaits them. Meanwhile, Greece maintains its stance that the coastguard's actions adhere to international human rights protocols, having reportedly assisted over 250,000 migrants at sea in the past decade.