Greek Coastguards Face Charges Over Deadly 2023 Migrant Boat Disaster

A naval court in Greece has charged “17 coastguard officers” over the tragic sinking of a migrant boat in June 2023, which has been described as the “deadliest Mediterranean migrant disaster in the last ten years.” The boat, known as “Adriana,” was carrying about “750 migrants” when it capsized near Pylos, a Greek coastal town, in the early hours of “June 14, 2023.”

 Only “104 people survived,” while “82 bodies” were recovered. It is feared that up to “650 people, including women and children, drowned” during the incident.

Survivors have made serious allegations against the Greek coastguards, claiming their actions directly led to the boat capsizing. According to their accounts, the coastguards attempted to tow the overcrowded vessel, causing it to flip and sink.

Survivors also alleged that after the incident, coastguard officials tried to silence them, warning them not to talk about what happened at sea.

One survivor recounted,

 “They attached a rope from the left. Everyone moved to the right side of our boat to balance it. The Greek vessel moved off quickly, causing our boat to flip. They kept dragging it for quite a distance.”

 Another survivor, Ahmad, said, 

“When people replied by saying the Greek coastguard was the cause, the official in charge of the questioning asked the interpreter to tell the interviewee to stop talking.” He also recalled officials shouting, “You have survived death. Stop talking about the incident. Don’t ask more questions about it.”

The Greek authorities have always denied these accusations, maintaining that their officers acted properly and that the “Adriana was not in distress before it sank.” They also claim that the coastguard has “rescued more than 250,000 people at sea in the past decade” and that they are committed to “respecting human rights.” 

However, investigations by journalists and human rights groups have raised serious doubts about the official Greek version of events. Shipping data and survivor testimonies suggest that the boat was indeed in trouble and needed urgent help, which contradicts the authorities’ claims.

The court charges are very serious. The “captain of the coastguard ship LS-920” is facing accusations of “causing a shipwreck” that led to at least “82 deaths.” He is also charged with “dangerous interference of maritime transport” and “failure to provide assistance” to the migrants in distress.

Other top officers, including the “then-Chief of the Coast Guard” and the “Supervisor of the National Search and Rescue Coordination Centre in Piraeus,” are being charged with “exposing others to danger.” The crew members of the LS-920 are accused of “simple complicity” in the captain’s actions.

The legal process is expected to continue in the coming weeks, as the “17 accused officers” will be questioned by the “Deputy Prosecutor of the Piraeus Naval Court.” The court will then decide whether to send them to a full trial or dismiss the charges. At this stage, it is not clear what punishment the coastguards could face if they are found guilty.

For many survivors and their families, these charges are a long-awaited step towards justice. Ahmad, whose younger brother died in the tragedy, said,

 “I’m very happy they are eventually being held accountable for all that they have committed, but until I see them in prison nothing has been done yet.” He also expressed doubts about the Greek legal system, saying, “To be honest, the Greek legal system is very unreliable.”

The legal team representing the survivors and victims called the charges a significant development, saying, “Almost two years after the Pylos shipwreck, the prosecution and referral to main investigation for felonies of 17 members of the Coast Guard, including senior officers of its leadership, constitutes a substantial and self-evident development in the course of vindication of the victims and the delivery of justice.”

This case has attracted international attention, as many see it as a test of how European countries handle migrant crises and whether those in power will be held responsible for their actions. Human rights groups and migrant advocates have welcomed the charges but say “more needs to be done to protect vulnerable people risking their lives at sea.”

As the second anniversary of the tragedy approaches, survivors, families, and rights groups are calling for “transparency and accountability.” Many believe that this case could set an important example for how similar incidents are handled in the future. For now, all eyes are on the Greek courts as the world waits to see if justice will truly be served for the victims of the “Adriana disaster.”

Stay Woke, Stay Tuned. Stay with AKEWE NEWS.