The Greek Ombudsman investigation into the deadly Pylos shipwreck has found stark omissions in search and rescue duties by the Hellenic Coast Guard, and serious lacunae in the necessary evidence.

The shipwreck on the 14th of June 2023, led to the deaths of around 560 people.

EU officials called it “the worst ever tragedy” in the Mediterranean.

Approximately 750 people were crammed into a shipping trawler that had left Libya heading for Italy that June. Despite documented evidence that those on board had sent out distress calls that were received by the Hellenic Coast Guard, and that the ship had been spotted by Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency), the ship spent several hours stalled out at sea before sinking off the coast of Pylos. 

Survivor testimonies have alleged that the Hellenic Coast Guard attempted to tug the boat, causing it to capsize, and then did not act to save those drowning as a result. The coast guard has at times denied, admitted, and deflected the accusation of towing the trawler, and maintained it did all it could to save lives that day.

The Greek Ombudsman investigation released Monday found a “series of serious and reprehensible omissions in the search and rescue duties on the part of senior officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard, which constitute clear indications for the establishment of the fatal exposure, as well as the exposure to danger to life, health and physical integrity of those on board the Adriana fishing vessel.”

These omissions in duty could constitute criminal liability for endangering lives. 

The report, based on thousands of pages of evidence including testimonies, journalistic investigations, and an expert report, raises concerns about the lifesaving actions or lack thereof, noting, “clear indications for eight (8) senior officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard as to their knowledge and disregard of the risk to the life, health and physical integrity of the foreign nationals on board the Adriana fishing vessel, who are deemed subject to investigation for fatal exposure”

The Ombudsman report also raises concerns over the alleged towing of the vessel by the Coast Guard and specifically missing critical evidence. Despite requests from the Ombusdman, key evidence was not provided, including the ship master’s mobile phone data and recordings of conversations with authorities, which were not digitally recorded despite regulations. Additionally, footage from the patrol vessel’s cameras was unavailable due to reported malfunctions.

The Ombudsman stated they launched this inquiry after the Hellenic Coast Guard refused to conduct an internal disciplinary investigation. The findings were sent to the Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy and the Piraeus Maritime Court to look into further legal action.