Justice Sought: Charges Filed Against Greek Coastguards in Deadly Migrant Shipwreck

In June 2023, an overcrowded vessel capsized near Pylos, claiming the lives of up to 650 people, with survivors calling for accountability.

In a landmark judicial move, a Greek naval court has brought charges against 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard following the devastating migrant shipwreck off the coast of Pylos on June 14, 2023. This incident marked one of the most tragic disasters in the Mediterranean Sea in recent years, with up to 650 individuals feared to have drowned when the Adriana fishing vessel capsized, which was reportedly overcrowded with around 750 migrants at the time.

Survivors, including a Syrian man identified as Ahmad, have claimed that coastguards were responsible for the disaster due to a failed rescue attempt after 15 hours of monitoring the distressed vessel. Ahmad recounted that the Greek coastguards attempted to tow the Adriana, leading to its capsizing, and alleged that they silenced witnesses at the scene. “It has taken us two years just for these charges to come, even though so many people witnessed what happened,” he stated.

Among those charged is the captain of the coastguard ship LS-920, accused of causing a shipwreck, resulting in the deaths of at least 82 of the individuals recovered, while as many as 500 more, including women and children, are believed to have perished below deck. Additionally, other senior officials face charges of endangering lives and failing to assist the vessel in distress.

The tragedy unfolded in international waters but fell under Greece's rescue jurisdiction. Investigations have raised substantial doubts about the official narrative presented by Greek authorities, with evidence suggesting the vessel was indeed in peril. The legal team representing the survivors and victims heralded the charges as a significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of justice for the affected families.

Ahmad, now residing in Germany, expressed cautious optimism regarding the legal proceedings. “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 remarked, reflecting the skepticism surrounding the Greek legal system's track record on such matters.

The joint legal team representing survivors hailed the development, emphasizing it as a significant opportunity for delivering justice and acknowledgement of the loss suffered by the victims’ families. The 17 individuals charged are expected to face further questioning in the coming weeks, leading to a potential full trial or a dismissal of charges, as public eyes remain fixed on the unfolding legal battle in the aftermath of one of the Mediterranean's most catastrophic maritime tragedies.