Freshly leaked audio recordings have cast serious doubt on the Greek government’s version of events surrounding the Pylos shipwreck, one of the deadliest migrant disasters in recent Mediterranean history. The new evidence suggests that Greek authorities may have actively shaped the narrative to avoid responsibility for the deaths of more than 500 people, mainly migrants from Syria, Pakistan, and Egypt.
The fishing trawler Adriana sank off the coast of Pylos, Greece, on 14 June 2023, carrying up to 750 people. Only 104 survived, and just 82 bodies were recovered. The United Nations estimates over 100 women and children were trapped below deck when the vessel capsized.
Now, leaked audio published by News247.gr reveals that officials from the Greek Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) instructed both the migrant boat and nearby commercial vessels to report that the passengers “do not want to go to Greece” but instead aim for Italy.
In one exchange, an officer tells the captain of the Lucky Sailor cargo ship: “I want you to write [in your logbook] that they don’t want to stay in Greece and they want to go to Italy. They want nothing from Greece.“
These instructions appear designed to justify the Greek Coast Guard’s limited intervention, despite their legal responsibility to assist any vessel in distress within their Search and Rescue (SAR) zone.
Greek Authorities Deny Wrongdoing
The Greek Coast Guard continues to reject all allegations. In an interview with Der Spiegel, the head of the Greek Coast Guard, Georgios Alexandrakis, stated: “Our crew did everything by the book. There was no towing operation. The migrants refused help and insisted on reaching Italy.“
Greek officials have said they submitted all relevant materials, including audio files and logbooks, to a Naval Court, which is still investigating the case.
A Pattern of Dangerous Deterrence
For migration experts and human rights observers, the leaked audio is not surprising. The Pylos tragedy fits into a larger pattern of alleged pushbacks and non-assistance in Greek waters.
“This is a systemic issue,” said Eva Cossé, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Greek authorities have repeatedly ignored distress calls and failed to protect lives at sea.“
The UN Special Raporter on the human rights of migrants, Felipe González Morales, has also raised concerns, noting that “the lack of accountability for such incidents is unacceptable and risks normalizing illegal practices at the EU’s borders.“
The EU’s Silent Role
Despite years of documented abuses, the European Union has largely praised Greece for its border management, with little concrete action to address these allegations.
As Judith Sunderland from Human Rights Watch commented in a recent report: “The EU’s migration policy, in effect, rewards countries for preventing arrivals, regardless of the methods used.“
Justice Still Pending
The families of the victims and survivors continue to demand accountability. Over eight months after the disaster, no Greek officials have been charged, while some survivors themselves face prosecution for alleged smuggling.
As the investigation drags on, the leaked audio adds crucial evidence. But for many, it reinforces a grim reality: EU migration policies are failing to protect lives, and without accountability, such tragedies may continue.
