Unearthing the Truth: Addressing Discrepancies in the Pylos Shipwreck Investigation

Stark Discrepancies in Pylos Shipwreck Accounts Call for Independent Investigation, Say Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch

The Need for an Independent Investigation

The recent Pylos shipwreck off the coast of Greece, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people, has raised concerns about the conflicting accounts of survivors and Greek authorities regarding the circumstances of the tragic event. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for an urgent, effective, independent, and impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind the shipwreck and ensure accountability for those responsible.

The disparities between survivors’ accounts and the authorities’ version of events are deeply troubling. Survivors consistently claim that the ship was towed by a Greek coast guard boat, leading to its fatal sinking, while the Greek authorities vehemently deny these allegations. To resolve these discrepancies and provide justice for the survivors and families of the victims, it is crucial that a transparent investigation takes place.

The Role of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have been actively involved in researching the circumstances of the shipwreck and advocating for accountability. During their visit to Greece, they interviewed survivors, relatives of the missing, non-governmental organizations, UN and international agencies, and representatives of the Hellenic Coast Guard and Greek Police.

The organizations’ initial observations align with concerns raised by reputable sources, further highlighting the need for a thorough investigation. Survivors consistently reported that the Hellenic Coast Guard vessel towed the Adriana, causing it to capsize. They also stated that passengers pleaded for rescue through satellite phones before the boat sank.

In contrast, senior officials of the Hellenic Coast Guard claimed that individuals on the boat only requested food and water, and expressed their intention to proceed to Italy. They stated that their vessel approached the Adriana to assess whether passengers wanted help, but the passengers rejected their assistance. The conflicting narratives necessitate an impartial investigation to determine the truth.

The Importance of Impartiality, Independence, and Effectiveness

Greek authorities have initiated two criminal investigations into the Pylos shipwreck, one targeting the alleged smugglers and another examining the actions of the coast guard. It is crucial that these investigations adhere to international human rights standards, ensuring impartiality, independence, and effectiveness.

To enhance the credibility of the judicial investigations, they should be supervised by the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office. Additionally, the Greek Ombudsman’s office, serving as the National Mechanism for Investigating Incidents of Arbitrariness, should be granted the necessary resources and information to carry out any disciplinary investigations related to the incident.

Ensuring Accountability and Transparency

Several survivors have reported that their phones were confiscated by the authorities without documentation or information on how to retrieve their property. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the Greek authorities’ commitment to ensuring accountability.

A comprehensive investigation into the shipwreck should consider the testimonies of all survivors, ensuring their safety and trust throughout the process. All available forensic evidence, including communication traces, videos, and photographs, should be collected, assessed, and safeguarded to facilitate accountability. Any property taken from survivors for investigative purposes should be appropriately logged and promptly returned.

Furthermore, all individuals involved or with knowledge of the incident, including the Hellenic Coast Guard, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), merchant vessel captains and crews, and others who participated in the rescue operation, should be invited to testify and cooperate fully with the investigations.

The Role of the EU and Lessons from Past Tragedies

Given the severity and international significance of the Pylos shipwreck, Greek authorities should actively seek and welcome international assistance and cooperation to ensure independence, effectiveness, and transparency. The European Union (EU) should reorient its border policies, emphasizing rescue at sea and providing safe and legal routes for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants.

Lessons must be learned from past tragedies, such as the “Farmakonisi” shipwreck, where the Hellenic Coast Guard’s actions were condemned by the European Court of Human Rights. The court’s judgment highlighted Greece’s failures in handling rescue operations and investigating incidents properly.

The Role of Frontex and EU Ombudsman

Parallel to the national investigation, the EU Ombudsman has announced an inquiry into the role of Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, in search and rescue activities in the Mediterranean, including the Pylos shipwreck. This inquiry will examine Frontex’s role, practices, and protocols concerning fundamental rights obligations and compliance with EU laws during shipwrecks.

Conclusion

The Pylos shipwreck has exposed stark discrepancies in accounts between survivors and Greek authorities. To address these conflicting narratives, it is imperative that an effective, independent, and impartial investigation takes place. Greek authorities should ensure compliance with international human rights standards, while international assistance can provide an additional guarantee of transparency and credibility.

Accountability, transparency, and a reorientation of EU border policies towards rescue and safe routes are essential in preventing further tragedies in the Mediterranean. The voices of survivors must be heard, and justice must be served for all those affected by this preventable tragedy.

Investigation–wordpress,PylosShipwreck,investigation,discrepancies,truth,addressing