Greek authorities will investigate how the country’s coast guard handled a maritime tragedy where dozens of migrants trying to reach Europe in an overloaded boat drowned.
Greece’s state ombudsman said that it made the decision after “the expressed denial” of the country’s coast guard to start a disciplinary investigation in response to the body’s written requests.
Survivors of a shipwreck sit inside a warehouse where are taking shelter at the port in Kalamata in June. Credit: AP
A military court with jurisdiction over Greece’s navy and coast guard is carrying out a preliminary investigation into the June 14 shipwreck, from which 104 survivors and 78 bodies were recovered.
Up to 750 people were believed to have been on the rusty fishing vessel, mostly below decks, when it sharply listed and quickly sank in the night. That would make it one of the worst disasters of its kind in the Mediterranean.
The court is also handling a lawsuit by 40 survivors, who accuse the coast guard of failing to prevent the shipwreck and loss of life.
Activists and human rights groups have strongly criticised the coast guard for its handling of the operation, even though a patrol boat escorted the trawler for hours and was present when it sank in deep waters 75 kilometres off southwestern Greece.
AP