Ahead of the European Parliament hearing on the aftermath of the Pylos shipwreck and reports of continued violence at the Greek Sea borders, Adriana Tidona, Amnesty International’s Migration Researcher, said:
“Consistent and credible allegations implicate the responsibility of the Greek authorities and the Hellenic Coast Guard in the devastating capsizing of the Adriana, and in a deeply flawed rescue response, which resulted in the tragic loss of more than 600 lives.
“Eight months have passed since this preventable disaster, yet the lack of accountability surrounding the Pylos shipwreck persists, denying survivors and victims’ families the truth and justice they deserve. There is little indication that Greek authorities learned any lessons from this unacceptable loss of life, as reports of violent pushbacks of migrants at the country’s borders continue unabated. In the aftermath of this disaster, it is imperative that authorities are held to account.
“European institutions must intensify their efforts to ensure that any funding for Greece’s migration management does not contribute to human rights violations, and to guarantee that effective and independent human rights monitoring mechanisms are put in place in border and search and rescue operations to prevent further loss of life.”
Background:
On Wednesday 14 February at 10:15 – 11:45 CET, Amnesty International will participate in an Exchange of Views in the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee, presenting evidence and recommendations regarding the Greek authorities’ responsibilities in the Pylos shipwreck and concerns about the ongoing domestic investigations into the events.
The Adriana, a severely overcrowded fishing trawler, capsized in the early morning of 14 June 2023, leading to the death of more than 600 people from Syria, Pakistan and Egypt.
On 14 December 2023, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch documented extensive concerns over the Greek authorities’ actions and response to the shipwreck, as well as over the role of Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, in facilitating an effective rescue.