Recent audio leaks from Greek rescue coordinators have surfaced amid the investigation into a tragic migrant shipwreck, where up to 650 perished. These recordings contradict Greece's assertions, with survivors accusing the coastguard of negligence and coercion. Human rights organizations express concern over the investigation's integrity, demanding impartial scrutiny.
New Evidence Contradicts Greece's Narrative on Migrant Shipwreck Tragedy
New Evidence Contradicts Greece's Narrative on Migrant Shipwreck Tragedy
Leaked audio recordings raise pressing questions about Greece's handling of a catastrophic migrant boat incident, challenging official statements and bringing to light allegations of misconduct.
Leaked audio recordings from a Greek rescue coordination center have thrown into question the official narrative regarding the tragic sinking of a migrant boat carrying up to 750 individuals on June 14, 2023. This catastrophe has claimed the lives of many, with only 82 bodies recovered; estimates suggest around 500, including women and children, may still be missing.
The boat, the Adriana, sank in international waters but within Greece’s maritime rescue zone after departing Libya. Survivors have accused the Greek coastguard of causing the overcrowded vessel to capsize during a failed towing attempt, allegations that the coastguard strongly denies. They insist that the boat was not in distress and that those aboard wished to reach Italy instead.
The leaked phone calls reveal officials instructing the captain of the migrant vessel to communicate that they did not wish to enter Greece. One officer can be heard directing the captain to assure an approaching aid ship that they preferred Italy over Greece. This damning evidence conflicts with the coastguard’s public stance, adding weight to the claims of survivors who’ve alleged that a rescue operation was ignored, leading to the disaster.
The Greek authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive response to the leaked recordings. They have stated that they are cooperating with a Naval Court investigation, having submitted all pertinent material, including the recordings. The coastguard has emphasized its humanitarian efforts over the past decade, stating they have rescued over a quarter of a million migrants.
However, critical analysis from earlier investigations reveals inconsistencies in the coastguard’s account. Evidence suggests the vessel was not moving for hours before it sank, contradicting claims that it was en route to Italy. A Greek court previously dismissed charges against nine Egyptian individuals accused of causing the wreck, citing jurisdictional issues since the tragedy occurred in international waters.
Human rights lawyer Dimitris Choulis, representing the accused, expressed skepticism about the authorities' narrative, asserting a cover-up has persisted since day one. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have called for an independent international investigation into the incident, highlighting significant doubts about the fairness of the ongoing inquiries.
As the Greek Ombudsman continues to investigate these allegations, the tragic fate of the Adriana exposes broader concerns about the treatment of migrants and the accountability of coastguard operations in distress situations. With civil rights advocates voicing urgent calls for clarity, the need for an unbiased investigation into the incident remains paramount.
