May 27, 2025: Greek Coastguards Charged Over 2023 Pylos Migrant Shipwreck That Killed Hundreds

A Greek naval court has formally charged 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard, including the captain of the rescue vessel LS-920, over their alleged role in the June 2023 Pylos shipwreck, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the Mediterranean in over a decade. The incident claimed the lives of up to 650 migrants, mainly from Syria, Pakistan, and Egypt.

Charges and Legal Context
The charges include failure to provide assistance, manslaughter through negligence, and dangerous interference with maritime transport. The court documents allege that the coastguards failed to respond adequately to distress calls and that their attempt to tow the overcrowded fishing vessel contributed to its capsize.

Survivor testimonies collected by human rights groups and UN officials claim the vessel, the Adriana, had been adrift for hours under Greek surveillance, with multiple pleas for help ignored. Activists accuse Greek authorities of deliberate inaction, and some allege that the coastguard attempted to forcibly tow the boat, thereby destabilizing it.

The captain of the rescue vessel is facing additional charges related to operational decisions taken during the final hours before the boat sank.

Government and Institutional Reactions
The Greek government initially denied responsibility, blaming the smugglers and rough seas. However, mounting evidence—including satellite tracking data and leaked Coast Guard logs—prompted an internal review and, now, formal criminal proceedings. The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy has not commented on the charges.

The European Commission has demanded transparency and accountability, while the Council of Europe and UNHCR have repeatedly raised concerns over Greece’s migration enforcement tactics, especially in the Aegean and Ionian zones.

Broader Implications
The case is likely to establish a legal precedent regarding state responsibility in maritime rescue and border enforcement practices within the EU. Human rights groups argue that the charges—though necessary—reflect a broader failure of European migration policy, where deterrence strategies often override humanitarian obligations.

The trial is expected to begin later this year. Survivors and the families of the deceased continue to demand full disclosure and reparations.