Audio Leak Uncovers Controversy in Greek Response to Migrant Shipwreck

Leaked audio recordings have sparked outrage over the Greek coastguard's response to a deadly migrant shipwreck in June 2023, contradicting official claims and alleging a cover-up regarding the circumstances leading to the tragedy.

Leaked audio recordings from Greek rescue coordinators have further complicated the official narrative surrounding a tragic shipwreck that occurred in June 2023, which claimed the lives of up to 650 migrants. The migrant vessel, named Adriana, sank in international waters after departing from Libya several days prior. Survivors accused the Greek coastguard of causing the overcrowded boat to capsize during a failed towing attempt, while claims of intimidation against witnesses have emerged.

Greece's coastguard dismissed these allegations, contending they didn't attempt to intervene as the migrants were not in danger and sought to reach Italy instead. However, audio clips, obtained by News247.gr, feature communications from a Greek rescue coordination center that seem to imply otherwise. One recording reportedly captures instructions for the captain of the migrant boat to tell rescuers that they did not wish to go to Greece.

The sinking incident—which is recognized as one of the Mediterranean Sea's most devastating tragedies—has led to the recovery of only 82 bodies, with estimates suggesting that around 500 people are still unaccounted for, including women and children trapped in the boat's hold.

The conversations reveal that prior to the ship’s sinking, Greek officials instructed the captain to relay specific messages to an approaching vessel. The first call, recorded on June 13 at 18:50 local time, reinforces the assertion that the migrants did not intend to seek refuge in Greece. A subsequent call at 22:10 revealed that the captain of a rescue ship echoed the migrants' preference for Italy, with coastguard officers confirming their statements.

The coastguard has not publicly commented on the leaked conversations, emphasizing instead their commitment to cooperating with a Naval Court probe into the disaster. They have claimed a long history of humanitarian work, reportedly rescuing over a quarter of a million migrants in danger at sea in the past decade.

More troublingly, evidence examined by investigative sources reveals the migrant vessel had been stationary for hours prior to capsizing. This has raised significant concerns about whether the Greek authorities knowingly failed to provide assistance when it was needed.

Amidst growing skepticism about the integrity of Greece’s inquiry, human rights advocates and observers have called for independent investigations. Following earlier court rulings that dismissed charges against nine Egyptian defendants linked to the incident, doubts persist regarding the accountability of Greek authorities. Commenting on the emerging profile of the recordings, human rights lawyer Dimitris Choulis emphasized the potential for systemic cover-up attempts by coastguard officials.

The escalating calls for transparency capture a critical moment in the ongoing migrant crisis, with many accusing Greek authorities of neglecting their humanitarian obligations amidst an unfolding tragedy.