Greek Court Charges 17 Coast Guards Over Fatal 2023 Migrant Shipwreck
ATHENS — May 23, 2025 — A Greek court has charged 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard in connection with a deadly migrant shipwreck that occurred off the coast of Pylos in June 2023. The tragedy claimed hundreds of lives and sparked global outrage over the treatment of migrants at sea.
Authorities allege that the coast guards failed to act appropriately during a rescue operation involving an overcrowded vessel carrying migrants across the Mediterranean. Prosecutors have summoned the accused for questioning as part of an ongoing judicial investigation into possible criminal negligence and misconduct.
The shipwreck, considered one of the deadliest migrant disasters in recent European history, reignited international debate over maritime rescue responsibilities, human rights protections, and border control policies in the EU.
Human rights groups and international observers have called for full transparency and accountability as the legal process moves forward.
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