Greece Ombudsman Accuses Coast Guard for Negligence in Tragic 2023 Migrant Shipwreck

Greece’s Ombudsman has concluded that the coast guard failed to adhere to maritime regulations during a tragic shipwreck in 2023, where an overcrowded migrant boat sank in the Mediterranean. Survivors’ testimonies were confirmed by the inquiry led by Greek Ombudsman Andreas Pottakis, who recommended disciplinary action against eight coast guard officers for alleged dereliction of duty. The coast guard was monitoring the trawler named Adriana for 15 hours before it capsized and sank off the coast of Pylos, resulting in the loss of many lives.

The inquiry found that the coast guard did not follow protocol and delayed the search-and-rescue operation as it waited for the boat to leave Greek jurisdiction and sail to Italy. The report dismissed coast guard claims that the boat was seaworthy and that those on board did not seek rescue. Additionally, the coast guard’s lack of response to calls from the European Union’s border agency Frontex, the deployment of only one vessel with limited capacity and rescue equipment, and the delay in the rescue operation when people fell into the sea were highlighted as critical failures.

Furthermore, the coast guard did not alert the migrant boat about its final attempt to approach it, and crucial coastguard communications during pivotal hours were not recorded. This lack of adherence to maritime rules and proper protocol led to a tragic loss of life in one of the Mediterranean’s worst shipwrecks. The Shipping Ministry stated that judicial authorities would evaluate the report, while the coast guard authorities denied any wrongdoing and referred to the ministry’s statement for comment.

Source