On June 14, 2023, a migrant boat named Adriana capsized in the Mediterranean, resulting in the loss of up to 650 lives. Recently leaked recordings from the Greek rescue coordination center have ignited a firestorm of skepticism regarding the Greek authorities' account of the disaster. Survivors have put forth grave allegations that the Greek coastguard mishandled a rescue attempt, leading to the boat's sinking.
The Adriana had left Libya with approximately 750 migrants, and many believed they were heading toward Italy. Leaked audio reveals conversations in which Greek officers instructed the migrant boat’s captain to falsely declare that the passengers didn’t want to reach Greece. Sounds of desperation became clearer as accounts from survivors highlighted a flawed rescue effort by the coastguard, who assert they did not intervene as they deemed the vessel safe.
Amid mounting scrutiny, Greece's coastguard maintains its innocence and states it has handed all evidence, including these audio clips, to a Naval Court investigating the incident. Amidst growing calls for transparency from human rights organizations, the credibility of the Greek investigation is under serious threat. Calls for an independent international inquiry echo through the tragedy's survivors, compelling authorities to confront their actions and the lives affected.
