A Greek Naval Court has filed charges against 17 officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard, including the captain and crew of the patrol vessel PPLS 920, over their alleged roles in the deadly shipwreck of the migrant vessel Adriana off the coast of Pylos in June 2023. The incident, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the Mediterranean in recent years, resulted in at least 82 confirmed deaths, with hundreds more feared missing.
The Adriana, reportedly carrying around 750 migrants from Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, capsized and sank in international waters approximately 80 kilometers southwest of the Greek town of Pylos during the night of June 13–14. A total of 104 people were rescued under difficult weather conditions, while bodies of 82 victims were recovered.
Survivors have alleged that smugglers confined women and children in the hold, with estimates suggesting that as many as 100 children may have been onboard.
According to charges brought by the Naval Court Prosecutor’s Office, the captain of the PPLS 920 faces accusations of causing a shipwreck through negligence, obstructing maritime traffic, and failing to provide assistance—charges that carry serious criminal implications.
The crew members are being investigated for complicity, while senior Coast Guard officials, including the then-chief and the head of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), face charges related to endangering lives and causing death.
Testimonies from survivors and audio recordings cited in the investigation suggest that the patrol vessel attempted to tow the Adriana by attaching a rope and accelerating, which may have led to the vessel capsizing. Witnesses also claim that the Adriana’s captain abandoned the boat shortly before it sank. Questions have been raised about delays in the launch of the rescue operation.
The case has sparked strong domestic and international outcry, with human rights groups highlighting major failures in the rescue and investigation. Concerns have also been raised over missing evidence, including survivors’ phones and unrecorded Coast Guard communications, which the Greek Ombudsman says point to serious procedural lapses.
The judicial investigation into the Pylos shipwreck is ongoing, with interrogations focusing on assigning responsibility for the tragedy. The case is being closely watched, as it raises critical questions about migrant and refugee protection in the Mediterranean and the conduct of Greek authorities.
