Members of Greek Coast Guard Charged in Shipwreck That Killed Hundreds of Migrants

Seventeen members of the Greek coast guard have been charged in connection with a shipwreck two years ago that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of migrants off the coast of Pylos. Prosecutors allege that the accused share responsibility for the disaster.

The overcrowded Adriana, carrying around 750 people from Libya to Italy, primarily held individuals from Syria, Pakistan, and Egypt, including children. The Greek coast guard had monitored the vessel for 15 hours before it capsized on June 14, 2023. Only 104 survivors were rescued.

Survivors later claimed that the coast guard's intervention—attempting to attach a towline—caused the ship to capsize. Many passengers were trapped below deck. The coast guard allegedly pressured survivors to remain silent about the failed rescue attempt.

The captain of the coast guard vessel is now being prosecuted for causing the shipwreck and failing to provide assistance. Other crew members are considered accomplices. Greece maintains it acted correctly, but human rights organizations accuse the country of illegal pushbacks.