Pylos Shipwreck: Evidence Ignored, Innocent Migrants Jailed by Greece

An investigative report by Solomon and the Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ), published by El País, Die Tageszeitung, and The New Humanitarian, reveals that Greek authorities knew nine Egyptian survivors of the June 2023 Pylos shipwreck were falsely accused of migrant smuggling. Despite evidence indicating their innocence, the “Pylos 9” were detained for over a year before a criminal court in Kalamata released them, citing lack of jurisdiction.

The tragic Pylos shipwreck involved the Adriana, a fishing vessel overloaded with migrants, which sank 50 nautical miles southwest of Greece. At least 82 deaths were confirmed, with survivors estimating up to 500, marking one of the Mediterranean’s deadliest maritime disasters.

Evidence Overlooked by Greek Authorities

The report, drawing on 700 pages of internal documents from Egypt, revealed that Egyptian authorities had identified a smuggling ring behind the Adriana. By late June 2023, 23 suspects were apprehended, and 13 fled to Libya. Crucially, none of the Pylos 9 were linked to this network; instead, they were migrant victims who had paid for safe passage. Egypt shared exonerating evidence with Greece in July 2023, but cooperation was stymied when Greece rejected further collaboration, citing jurisdictional issues.

An Egyptian delegation, led by the Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs, visited Greece and alleged the Pylos 9 were scapegoats to obscure Greek authorities’ role in the disaster.

Cover-up Allegations and Discrepancies

The Greek government faces international scrutiny over its handling of the Pylos incident. Official accounts suggest the Adriana refused Coast Guard assistance in international waters before sinking, with Greek estimates citing 82 fatalities. Contrarily, survivors claim a higher death toll and allege the vessel capsized following a towing attempt by the Coast Guard, contradicting official statements.

Survivors’ testimonies, conflicting with the Greek narrative, have led to accusations of a cover-up and demands for accountability. Amidst global criticism over the slow judicial process, Greece’s Ombudsman began an independent inquiry into the Coast Guard’s involvement.

While the Greek Coast Guard declared an ongoing investigation via the Piraeus naval court, slow proceedings have heightened international concerns about transparency and justice.

Acquittal of the Pylos 9

Ultimately, the criminal court in Kalamata dismissed the case against the Pylos 9 on jurisdictional grounds. The decision is seen as ironic, given previous denials of defense requests for dismissal on the same basis. Critics suggest the acquittal may have spared Greek authorities from a trial that could have unveiled possible misconduct.