Leaked Audio Reveals Controversial Instructions Prior to Greek Shipwreck

Leaked audio of rescue coordinators providing instructions to a migrant boat before its tragic sinking raises serious questions about the Greek authorities' actions. Survivors recount being misled about rescue intentions, while human rights organizations call for further investigation into the incident.

Leaked audio recordings have thrown doubt on the Greek authorities' account of a catastrophic shipwreck that resulted in the loss of up to 650 migrant lives in the Mediterranean Sea. The incident, which occurred on June 14, 2023, took place within Greece's search and rescue zone after the vessel, known as Adriana, departed from Libya several days earlier.

Survivors have alleged that the Greek Coast Guard's actions directly contributed to the capsizing of their overcrowded fishing boat, which they claim happened during a botched towing attempt. Eyewitnesses report that coastguards pressured them to remain silent, charges that the Greek Coast Guard continues to deny. Instead, they assert that no rescue was attempted as the migrants had voluntarily opted for Italy and were not in any perceived danger.

The recent release of audio recordings by the Greek news outlet News247.gr sheds light on the communications between the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and the captain of the migrant vessel. In the first call, a Greek officer instructs the captain to inform an approaching ship that the migrants do not wish to go to Greece. Later conversations between the Greek authority and the crew of the Lucky Sailor—a vessel that provided supplies—further corroborate survivor claims that the group on the Adriana was resolute in their intention to reach Italy.

Amidst growing concerns about the integrity of Greece's investigation into this disaster, which remains one of the deadliest in Mediterranean history, human rights groups are calling for an independent international inquiry. The United Nations estimates that approximately 500 additional migrants, including around 100 women and children, perished when the Adriana sank.

The audio evidence adds to a significant body of skepticism surrounding the Greek Coast Guard's actions, particularly in light of testimonies from survivors who contend that they were misled by authorities and coerced into framing others for the disaster. Human rights attorney Dimitris Choulis described the governmental response as an "attempted cover-up" and voiced his concerns over the treatment of those lost at sea.

As investigations by multiple entities, including the Greek Ombudsman and the Greek Naval Court, continue, the issue highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting migrants in the Mediterranean and the urgent need for accountability in maritime rescue operations.