A Greek Ombudsman investigation has found that the Hellenic Coast Guard failed to follow proper maritime procedures during one of the Mediterranean’s deadliest migrant shipwrecks in 2023, raising the alarm only after the overcrowded trawler Adriana had already sunk, sources revealed on Friday.
The inquiry, led by Ombudsman Andreas Pottakis, confirms survivors’ testimonies and has been submitted to a naval court probing potential criminal liability. The findings, which remain unpublished, highlight significant failures by the Greek authorities, according to sources familiar with the report.
Last week, Pottakis recommended disciplinary action against eight coast guard officers, citing “clear indications” of dereliction of duty that endangered the lives of those on board. The Greek Shipping Ministry responded by stating that judicial authorities would assess the report while expressing continued trust in the coast guard’s role in protecting Greek and EU borders.
Coast Guard Delayed Rescue Despite 15-Hour Monitoring
The Adriana, a trawler carrying an estimated 750 migrants, had set sail from Libya for Italy but capsized in international waters near Pylos on June 14, 2023. Only 104 people survived, making it one of the worst migrant disasters in recent history.
The inquiry found that Greek coast guard officers monitored the vessel for 15 hours but failed to classify the situation as distress or even an emergency, despite international maritime obligations to intervene. The coast guard reportedly delayed any search-and-rescue (SAR) operation, waiting for the boat to leave Greek jurisdiction and continue toward Italy.
The 148-page report challenges coast guard claims that the trawler was seaworthy and that passengers did not seek assistance. The investigation also found that the coast guard ignored calls for help from the European border agency Frontex, failed to request assistance from other vessels, and deployed only one patrol boat—which was inadequately equipped for a large-scale rescue.
Coast Guard Actions Under Scrutiny
According to sources, two merchant ships that had approached the Adriana were ordered to leave by Greek authorities before the vessel capsized. Furthermore, when passengers fell into the sea, the rescue operation was significantly delayed.
The report also revealed critical gaps in coast guard communication records, making it difficult to determine precisely what happened in the final moments before the ship sank. Authorities did not record crucial communications, and the crew failed to notify Adriana of their last attempt to approach it.
The Greek coast guard has denied any wrongdoing and, when asked for comment on Friday, referred only to the Shipping Ministry’s statement.
The findings are likely to fuel further international scrutiny over Greece’s handling of migration crises and its adherence to maritime rescue obligations. Meanwhile, families of the victims and survivors continue to demand justice, as the naval court determines whether criminal charges will be pursued.
(Source: Reuters)