One year after a deadly migrant shipwreck off the coast of Pylos, Greece, coast guard officers are facing a disciplinary investigation into their role in the tragedy. Three sources close to the inquiry told Reuters on Thursday that about 10 officers, including the coast guard commander and the captain of the vessel monitoring the migrant boat, will be called to testify as suspects.
The fishing trawler, carrying up to 700 people, capsized and sank in international waters on June 14, 2023, after being monitored by the Greek coast guard for several hours. While 104 survivors were rescued, only 82 bodies have been recovered, leaving hundreds more feared dead and families desperate for answers.
The investigation, launched by Greece's ombudsman Andreas Pottakis, will examine whether actions or omissions by the coast guard contributed to the disaster. The cause of the shipwreck remains disputed, with survivors alleging the coast guard caused the boat to capsize while attempting to tow it, a claim the coast guard denies.
This incident sent shockwaves throughout Europe and ignited criticism of the European Union's migration policies. Despite the tragedy and ongoing pressure from victims' families, no one has been held accountable.
