Prosecution Initiated Against Greek Coastguard Leaders Over Migrant Shipwreck Tragedy

Fri Nov 07 2025 00:49:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The prosecution of the Greek coastguard chief and senior officials comes in the wake of a disastrous migrant boat sinking, raising fundamental questions about maritime responsibility and human rights adherence.

A prosecutor has recommended charges of negligent manslaughter against Greek coastguard leadership following the sinking of the fishing vessel Adriana, which resulted in up to 650 presumed deaths. The tragedy occurred off the coast of Pylos after a botched rescue attempt by coastguards. Survivors claim the vessel capsized due to improper towing practices by the coastguard. Despite previous denials of wrongdoing by Greek authorities, this legal action signals a shift in accountability as the incident continues to prompt scrutiny over Greece's handling of migrant rescues.

Four senior figures in the Greek coastguard, including its current commander, are set to face criminal prosecution for negligent manslaughter related to the 2023 migrant boat disaster where up to 650 people are believed to have drowned.

The fishing boat Adriana sank near Pylos after survivors reported a botched coastguard towing attempt. Greek authorities have consistently denied wrongdoing concerning the incident.

A prosecutor from the naval appeal court in Piraeus has recommended that Vice Adm Tryfon Kontizas, the head of the Hellenic coastguard, along with three other senior officers, be tried for charges including manslaughter by negligence in international waters under Greek jurisdiction.

The Adriana had departed Libya and was monitored by Greek coastguard for about 15 hours before capsizing. Survivors have claimed that the coastguard vessel's towing maneuver caused the boat to become unstable and capsize, leading to numerous fatalities. Despite the recovery of only 82 bodies, it is estimated that hundreds more may have perished.

This prosecution follows a previous determination that cleared Kontizas and the three officers of blame, ruling that 17 other coastguard members, including the ship's captain, would face charges. However, those initial findings were contested by lawyers representing victims' families.

Greece maintains that it respects human rights and has conducted over 250,000 rescues at sea in the last decade.