New audio evidence suggests potential misconduct by Greek rescue coordinators in the events leading up to a migrant boat sinking, with survivors alleging coercion and negligence. The incident, which occurred in June, has sparked demands for a thorough review of the Greek Coast Guard's actions and accountability.
Leaked Audio Raises Questions on Greek Coast Guard's Role in Migrant Shipwreck
Leaked Audio Raises Questions on Greek Coast Guard's Role in Migrant Shipwreck
Uncovered recordings challenge Greece's narrative surrounding the devastating migrant boat tragedy that left hundreds dead off its shores, leading to calls for an independent investigation.
Leaked audio recordings from the Greek rescue coordination center have introduced serious doubts about the official narrative surrounding a deadly shipwreck that claimed the lives of up to 650 migrants on June 14, 2023. The boat, which departed from Libya, sank in international waters but within Greece's rescue zone.
Survivors have accused the Greek Coast Guard of creating conditions that led to their fishing vessel capsizing during a failed rescue attempt. They claim witnesses were pressured into silence, while the Coast Guard maintains they acted appropriately, insisting that the boat was not in distress and was heading towards Italy voluntarily.
In newly emerged recordings from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Piraeus, a voice instructs the captain of the migrant boat to communicate that the passengers do not wish to go to Greece. In a subsequent call, another officer discusses this preference with the captain of the supply vessel, indicating all aboard were shouting for Italy. These conversations raise serious questions about the Coast Guard's actions and intentions during the emergency.
Despite the mounting evidence, the Greek Coast Guard has declined to address the audio directly but has submitted all findings to a Naval Court, which is currently investigating the disaster. This incident is recognized as one of the Mediterranean's worst maritime tragedies, highlighting the perilous journey taken by those fleeing war and poverty.
Initial investigations and survivor accounts suggest the overcrowded vessel drifted for hours without moving before capsizing, contradicting the Coast Guard’s claims that it was untroubled and on course for Italy. Legal proceedings against nine Egyptian defendants accused of causing the shipwreck were ultimately dismissed due to jurisdictional issues, and discredited evidence has led to accusations of a systemic cover-up by Greek authorities.
Human rights advocates, including organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have expressed strong skepticism regarding the integrity of Greece's investigation, urging for independent scrutiny of the incident. These profound allegations and the call for accountability are under further examination by the Greek Ombudsman and the Naval Court.
