In one of the deadliest migrant shipwrecks in recent years, Greece is now considering disciplinary charges against eight coast guard officers following the tragic incident off the southwestern coastal town of Pylos. The disaster, which occurred on June 14, 2023, resulted in the deaths of over 250 Pakistanis. The trawler, named Adriana, had set sail from Libya with around 750 people on board and was being monitored by the Greek coast guard for nearly 12 hours before it capsized in international waters.
The Greek Ombudsman, Andreas Pottakis, launched an investigation into the incident, which has led to suggestions that the officers failed to properly carry out their search and rescue duties. The Ombudsman’s report highlighted “clear indications” of dereliction of duty, leading to the tragic loss of lives. Despite the investigation, the Greek coast guard has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their actions were appropriate during the crisis.
The tragedy raised broader concerns about migration management and the European Union’s approach to handling such incidents. The Ombudsman’s report, which was released recently, has been forwarded to Greece’s Shipping Minister for further action. The investigation has already prompted the local naval court to conduct a preliminary inquiry, though no definitive conclusions have been reached.
According to the Ombudsman’s office, transparency and accountability are vital, emphasizing the legal requirement to thoroughly investigate violations of the right to life and physical integrity. This tragic shipwreck serves as a reminder of the dangers migrants face while attempting to cross the Mediterranean in search of safety and opportunity.
As the investigation continues, many are calling for a deeper probe into the actions of those involved, hoping for greater accountability in handling future migrant rescue operations.