Seventeen Greek Coast Guard Officials Face Charges in Connection with Mediterranean Tragedy

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Almost two years after a tragic shipwreck in the Mediterranean, a Greek naval court has taken significant steps by charging 17 coast guard officers linked to the sinking of a migrant vessel near Pylos in June 2023.

The ill-fated fishing boat, named Adriana, was crammed with around 750 migrants and had set sail from Libya aiming for Italy.On June 14, 2023, it tragically capsized in international waters off southwestern Greece.

With over 650 lives lost, this incident stands as one of Europe’s most devastating maritime disasters involving migrants.

Court documents reveal that the charges against these officers include causing a shipwreck, endangering maritime traffic safety, failing to assist those in peril, and putting lives at risk. The investigation is spearheaded by the Prosecutor of the Piraeus Maritime Court who is scrutinizing how authorities managed this dire situation.Despite claims from the Greek coast guard denying any misconduct, investigations have uncovered alarming oversights. Notably, a coast guard patrol boat—PPLS 920—was tracking Adriana for about 15 hours before its capsizing but failed to launch a rescue operation promptly.

Among those facing charges are high-ranking officials including the former Chief of Coast Guard and various crew members from PPLS 920. The captain specifically is charged with causing an avoidable disaster that endangered countless lives while also disrupting maritime operations dangerously and neglecting timely assistance duties. His crew faces similar accusations for their role in failing to act when needed most.

Interestingly enough, current leadership within the coast Guard has been cleared of duty during critical moments leading up to this tragedy—a decision met with disappointment by lawyers representing victims’ families who argue that accountability should extend further up the chain of command. They intend to appeal this ruling seeking justice for all involved parties who had operational roles during that fateful night.

This marks an unprecedented move as criminal proceedings against Greek coast guard personnel related to such incidents have not occurred before following the Pylos disaster.The case has drawn sharp criticism from both national and international human rights organizations; initially there were sentiments suggesting blame was placed on victims rather than addressing systemic failures within rescue operations.

Earlier this year in February, recommendations were made by Greece’s Ombudsman advocating disciplinary measures against eight officers involved. In response to ongoing frustrations surrounding justice for victims’ families and survivors alike—protests are being organized nationwide on June 21st commemorating two years since this heartbreaking event took place while calling attention towards ensuring accountability moving forward.