Charges Filed Against Greek Coastguards in Fatal Migrant Shipwreck

A naval court in Greece has initiated criminal proceedings against 17 coastguard members following the catastrophic sinking of a migrant vessel in the Mediterranean, one of the deadliest such incidents in the past ten years. On June 14, 2023, approximately 650 individuals were on board the overcrowded Adriana fishing boat when it capsized near Pylos, with survivors alleging that the coastguards were responsible for the disaster. Evidence suggests that the boat was overloaded and improperly managed, leading to claims that coastguards inadvertently caused the vessel to sink while attempting to tow it out of distress. Survivors have voiced their frustrations regarding the perceived cover-up and mistreatment by authorities.

Amid ongoing investigations, the Deputy Prosecutor of the Piraeus Naval Court has charged several high-ranking officials, including the captain of the coastguard ship involved, with crimes such as "causing a shipwreck" and "failure to provide assistance." The official narrative from the coastguard, which stated that the vessel was not in distress at the time of the disaster, has faced significant scrutiny following accounts from survivors and investigators who have found discrepancies in their version of events. This development has reignited discussions about accountability in Greece's treatment of migrant ships and the broader European migrant crisis, as advocates for the victims hope these charges could lead to justice.

The legal representatives for the survivors have welcomed the charges as a necessary step toward justice, emphasizing the importance of holding responsible parties accountable for their actions during the tragic event.

The prosecution will proceed with questioning the charged individuals, and the next steps will determine whether the case advances to a full trial.