The Independent Authority’s report reveals clear indications of responsibility implicating eight high-ranking officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard, accused of being aware of the dangers threatening the lives, health, and physical integrity of migrants aboard the ship Adriana but failing to take the necessary mesures to prevent them.

After gathering around 5,000 pages of evidence—including written responses from relevant services, journalistic investigations, seventeen additional sworn testimonies, an expert report, an opinion requested by the Independent Authority, and the investigative file forwarded by the Kalamata Court of Appeal—and collecting oral and written explanations from ten members of the Hellenic Coast Guard, to whom all these documents were provided, the Greek Ombudsman prepared a 148-page report on the Pylos shipwreck that resulted in the deaths of over 600 people.

The Greek Ombudsman’s press release specifies that “the Independent Authority’s report provides clear indications implicating eight (8) high-ranking officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard. They were aware of the dangers threatening the lives, health, and safety of the migrants aboard the Adriana fishing vessel, yet failing to take action to prevent them. They are considered responsible for exposing the migrants to mortal danger, as well as to risks threatening the lives, health, and physical integrity of the passengers, in violation of Article 306 of the Penal Code. “

Furthermore, regarding the attempts by the coast guard patrol boat to tow the overcowded trawler, which was denounced by numerous survivors of the shipwreck, the Ombudsman notes that “the report of the Authority also evaluates the reported towing of the Adriana fishing vessel by the Coast Guard boat sent to the scene. Crucial evidence has not been provided to the Authority, despite its requests, including the mobile phone data of the Coast Guard captain, held by the Piraeus Admiralty Court, as well as the full communications between the captain and the Coast Guard’s Joint Rescue Coordination Center (EKSED) up to the vessel’s capsizing, regarding which the Coast Guard claimed no digital data had been archived, although regulations require it.”

It is further noted that:

“Similarly, the surveillance footage from the Hellenic Coast Guard boat was not provided to the Authority, with the Coast Guard stating that the equipment was out of order due to a malfunction. The evaluation of this evidence is considered crucial to establishing responsibilities in the occurrence of the shipwreck. The report from the Independent Authority has been forwarded to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy for disciplinary action, as well as to the competent judicial authority of the Piraeus Admiralty Court to assess the objective and subjective elements of the alleged criminal offenses.”

“For the Independent Authority, transparency in administrative actions and the proper attribution of responsibility in the deadly Pylos shipwreck are fundamental to upholding the rule of law and are inseparable from its respect. ” states Mr. Andreas Pottakis in his press release.

______________________________________________

Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.

Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.