Audio evidence from the Greek rescue coordination center raises serious questions about Greece's defense regarding the tragic sinking of a migrant boat, which was carrying hundreds of people.
Leaked Audio Exposes Contradictions in Greek Coast Guard's Handling of Migrant Shipwreck
Leaked Audio Exposes Contradictions in Greek Coast Guard's Handling of Migrant Shipwreck
Recently uncovered recordings may undermine the Greek authorities' narrative surrounding a devastating maritime disaster that claimed hundreds of migrant lives.
Leaked recordings from the Greek Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) have revealed contradictory instructions that may challenge the government's account of events leading to the catastrophic shipwreck of a migrant boat off the coast of Greece. On June 14, 2023, the Adriana sank in international waters, reportedly carrying up to 750 migrants, with survivors claiming that Greek coastguards played a role in the disaster.
Authorities assert that the boat, which had departed from Libya, capsized during a failed rescue operation due to its overcrowded conditions, leading to an estimated loss of 650 lives. Despite these claims, the Greek Coast Guard maintains that the boat was not in distress and that its occupants were voluntarily trying to reach Italy instead of Greece.
Contentious audio recordings reveal a communication between a Greek officer and the captain of the Adriana, instructing him to inform any approaching vessels that they did not wish to dock in Greece. In a recorded exchange, the officer tells the captain to say, “We don’t want to go to Greece,” casting doubt on the claim that the migrants were attempting to be rescued.
Two separate phone exchanges, occurring hours before the shipwreck, document the coastguard's interactions with the captain of the Lucky Sailor, a vessel that approached to provide supplies. The officer questioned whether the migrants were expressing a preference for Italy over Greece, to which the Lucky Sailor's captain confirmed that the migrants were vocally insisting on going to Italy.
The Greek Coast Guard has so far refrained from commenting on the leaked audio while it commits to cooperating with ongoing investigations led by the Naval Court. Officials assert that they have provided all relevant evidence, including the recordings, to support their case.
Critics of the Greek authorities' narrative, including various NGOs and human rights activists, argue that the recordings demonstrate a clear attempt to mislead. Describing it as a cover-up, human rights lawyer Dimitris Choulis condemned the idea that the migrants did not want assistance, labeling the authorities' claims as insulting to the memory of the deceased.
International organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are now calling for a comprehensive investigation into the actions of Greek authorities, voicing skepticism over the integrity of the current inquiries and the claims made by coastguard officials.
As the investigations continue, questions remain about the accountability of the Greek Coast Guard and its treatment of vulnerable populations seeking refuge. The Greek Ombudsman is currently exploring the allegations while separate inquiries by the Greek Naval Court are also underway. The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by European countries managing the complex migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
